Located in the historic centre, it forms part of the municipality’s most emblematic and recognizable area. The rehabilitation and enhancement of the building is conceived as a strategic action within the broader framework of the comprehensive regeneration of the Historic Center. Its recovery is not only driven by heritage conservation criteria but is also envisioned as a lever for urban transformation, capable of reactivating economic, social, and cultural dynamics. Through its adaptive reuse, the building has the potential to become a hub of activity, generating new flows, strengthening the centrality of the area, and contributing to the sustainable revitalization of the municipality.

To this end, innovative, sustainable, and creative solutions are sought, considering the constraints associated with preserving the building. 

The program of uses is intentionally left open to encourage disruptive approaches and hybrid models. A single exception is made for an open-plan space on the ground floor, conceived as a place for civic gathering and as a platform for cultural and community activities. 

Ultimately, this is a strategic project supported by strong institutional commitment: the City Council will actively participate in financing the intervention, in proportion to the share of the building allocated to public or municipal uses, demonstrating its firm commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and opportunity-generating urban regeneration.

Type of property transfer intended:

The operation will be structured through a concession over a public domain asset, in accordance with Royal Legislative Decree 781/1986 of 18 April (RD 781/1986, de 18 de abril), the Regulations on Assets of Local Authorities (Reglamento de Bienes de las Entidades locales), and Law 33/2003 of 3 November on the Assets of Public Administrations (Ley 33/22003 de 3 de noviembre del Patrimonio de las Administraciones Públicas),or through a legal instrument provided for in this framework that is compatible with the nature and classification of the asset.

Given the project’s characteristics and its public interest, the concession fee may be fully or partially offset by the successful bidder’s commitment to carry out the rehabilitation works, and any interventions required to bring the project into operation.

The duration of the concession—or of the applicable legal instrument—will be defined with flexibility to ensure the economic and financial viability and long-term sustainability of the proposal. For guidance purposes, it is envisaged to fall within a range of 20 to 40 years. This aspect will be further developed and specified during the second phase of the process.

The Portugalete City Council reserves the use of an open-plan space on the ground floor of approximately 566 m², to be financed with municipal public funds.