Valle de Jinámar Regeneration Plan
Main objectives of the project
Since 2017, the Telde City Council has initiated an inclusive revitalization initiative for Valle de Jinámar, leveraging local community organizations, resident involvement, and financial support and coordination from both the Canary Islands and Spanish governments. The plan for Valle de Jinámar prioritizes the needs of its residents, aiming to empower the community in decision-making processes and foster a sense of ownership over neighborhood management and individual lives. Various stakeholders including service providers, educational institutions, governmental bodies, and businesses have participated in a collaborative effort focused on enhancing local community capacity to drive social and economic progress. Additionally, companies involved in renovation and social projects have created employment opportunities for local residents.
Date
- 2017: En proceso
Stakeholders
- Telde City Council
- Cabildo de Gran Canaria
- Gobierno de Canarias
- Spanish government
- European Union
Location
City: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Country/Region: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Description
The Canary Islands stand out as the region with the highest concentration of vulnerable populations in Spain, with Valle de Jinámar in Gran Canaria hosting a significant portion, comprising over 20% of its total population. Situated between the municipalities of Telde and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Jinámar encompasses both its historic center and the broader area known as Valle de Jinámar. This neighborhood is marked by a demographic profile featuring a considerable number of at-risk children and youth, a significant proportion of low-skilled professionals, high unemployment rates, and elevated levels of poverty and social exclusion, affecting 46.28% of families, with a disproportionate impact on women.
Initially developed in the 1970s to accommodate residents with limited economic resources through public housing, Valle de Jinámar underwent a subsequent privatization process, granting tenants ownership rights. However, it became evident that mere access to housing was insufficient to address the area's pervasive challenges. Consequently, the regeneration plan integrated social considerations, particularly focusing on the necessity for socio-educational and employment initiatives tailored to the residents. Through partnerships with local businesses, these projects were aligned with the broader regeneration efforts.
Presently, regeneration efforts have yielded refurbishments for 1,702 homes, primarily focusing on external enhancements, with an additional 434 residences undergoing renovation, while 2,573 units await rehabilitation. Beyond housing, community and sports centers, such as the "Centro Integral de la Infancia" and "Pabellón Juan Carlos Hernández," have been renovated to offer essential services and recreational opportunities to residents, addressing closures and disuse resulting from the 2008 economic crisis. Now, the “Centro Integral de la Infancia” offers psicological and educational support to the young people of the area. Moreover, after 13 years being closed, the sport center has reopened its door. Sustainable mobility emerged as a central focus, prompting the collaborative development of a mobility plan with residents and local businesses, emphasizing pedestrian-friendly initiatives and cycling infrastructure.
Addressing social challenges necessitated forging partnerships with 61 companies and local nonprofit organizations, facilitating the implementation of 135 socio-educational and employment projects spanning all age groups. The participatory nature of the renovation process was evident in the organization of workshops involving collaborating entities and apartment association representatives, as well as satisfaction surveys conducted among residents to solicit feedback. Additionally, an "Information Point" was established within the neighborhood, staffed by local technicians to provide support and promptly address community concerns.
The overarching objective of the project was to adopt an integrated approach, combining physical retrofitting with targeted social interventions to address entrenched vulnerabilities within the neighborhood comprehensively. Furthermore, governance structures involving multiple public administrations were established, ensuring community involvement in decision-making processes.