Madrid, Intervention model in the historic centre: The “Revitalisation” process in Lavapiés (1997 – 2004)

[Irene Fernández Álvarez, 2005. perufer2004@yahoo.es]

Traditionally popular, Lavapiés neighbourhood has been transformed by rehabilitation process, which started in 1997.Public investors have played a great role in bringing about this physical transformation which has drastically increased the real- state value of Lavapiés.
Lack of speculation control is causing the indirect expulsion of traditional population that cannot afford the new prices.
Lavapiés has always been characterised by its social patrimony founded in diversity and tolerance. Yet, today it runs the risk of becoming a standardized and anaesthetized “show case” of the new “cosmopolitan Madrid”.

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