text:
Sagunt Desalination Plant.
Sagunt, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Another of the ghost plants from the "Plan Agua", which should have solved the water supply problems of the Mediterranean regions of the country. In this one, €38 million were spent.
Marc Femenia
Spain: System Error
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At the turn of the 21st century, in Spain nothing was impossible. No construction project was too large or too difficult. In the peak year of 2006 Spain constructed more houses than France, Germany and Great Britain put together. Spain had Europe's longest highway network, twice as many commercial airports as Germany, and the world's second longest high-speed rail network. Spain was the land of gold and honey and the economic growth seemed to have no limits. The world was in awe of the "Spanish miracle".
When reality finally caught up with Spain, in 2007, its urbanized surface had increased by 52 % in only 18 years, and its landscape was littered by a myriad of deserted infrastructural projects. Airports without passengers, highways without cars, hospitals without patients... Not to mention the two million empty houses no one wanted to move into. All built with the money of the future generations.
What was once built as proud monuments over economic success, has now become the embarrassing evidence of a political system characterized by bad planning, thoughtless investments and widespread corruption. A system that has plunged Spain into its worst economic crisis since the advent of democracy.
Since 2008, Spain has been the main recipient of loans from the European Investment Bank, receiving more than €68 billion, more than half of which has been invested in new infrastructural projects. Thus, several megaprojects are already being planned throughout the territory, and the highway and high-speed rail networks continue their expansion, albeit at a slower pace. This is a sampling of the consequences of having unrestrained construction leading the way for the Spanish economy.
Photographs and texts: Marc Femenia
Design & development: Belén Picazo y David Ruiz López
Coordination: Marilín Gonzalo y Raquel Pérez Ejerique .
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Property Bubble
"Cases del Bosc" Residential Development.
Viladrau, Girona, Catalunya.
It was going to be a luxury complex of 180 houses, playground, social club, sports center, hotel, and a viewpoint from which to admire the stunning views of Montseny's natural park. "A place that inspires", according to its slogan, but it was never fulfilled.
"Cases del Bosc" Residential Development.Viladrau, Girona, Catalunya.
Vallfosca Mountain Resort.
Torre de Cabdella, Lleida, Catalunya.
The plan was to build more than 1,000 apartments, a golf course and a ski station by Espui, a small village of 200 inhabitants, in the Pyrenees. When the property bubble bursted, only a handful of apartments had been finished. The rest just became part of the landscape.
Vallfosca Mountain Resort.Torre de Cabdella, Lleida, Catalunya.
Neighborhood of El Francaset.
Roda de Berà,Tarragona, Catalunya.
After rezoning the area of El Francaset, it was planned to host 5,000 new residents, almost twice the town's current population. The burst of the property bubble left a deserted neighborhood and a local debt of more than €2,300 per inhabitant.
Neighborhood of El Francaset.Roda de Berà,Tarragona, Catalunya.
"Mirador del Ebro" housing development.
L'Aldea, Tarragona, Catalunya.
These former rice fields were rezoned in order to build 1,300 homes and a golf course but the bankruptcy of Martinsa-Fadesa stopped the works, and there is no perspective of starting them again.
"Mirador del Ebro" housing development.L'Aldea, Tarragona, Catalunya.
"El Molinet" Housing development.
Cabanes, Castelló, Comunitat Valenciana.
Another of the tens of thousands of residential developments that just froze after the burst of the property bubble.
"El Molinet" Housing development.Cabanes, Castelló, Comunitat Valenciana.
"Marina d'or Torre la sal" Residential Development.
Of the 6,000 apartments on the drawing board only 650, spread over three blocks, saw the light of day. Very few were sold upon completion in 2007, so after five years the banks repossessed the apartments and sold them to one-third of the original price. The development is not officially acknowledged by the municipality, and therefore the streets are not maintained, which is a problem for the few families that live here all year round.
"Marina d'or Torre la sal" Residential Development.Cabanes, Castelló, Comunitat Valenciana.
Residential Developments..
La Pobla de Vallbona, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
The burst of the property bubble left two, half-constructed residential developments in the outskirts of the town. The new residents moved in to a disheartening landscape and poor municipal services, such as this closed garbage collector.
Residential Developments..La Pobla de Vallbona, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Gran Turia City (before Ros Casares).
València, Comunitat Valenciana.
This "smart neighborhood" was finished when the crisis was already a fact in 2009. When three years later the bank repossessed the complex, 95% of the apartments were still unsold. Although currently the apartments are being sold for less than one third of the original price, the vast majority are still empty.
Gran Turia City (before Ros Casares).València, Comunitat Valenciana.
"Bellarotja" Residential Development.
Pego, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
The original plan contemplated 2,000 houses and a golf course, but when the constructor went bankrupt in 2008, the project stopped abruptly. This was a hard blow on the City's economy because, in order to pay regular expenses, it had already spent €1.8 million from a fund that was explicitly aimed for the infrastructures affected by the development. However, Bellarotja has been abandoned and decaying for seven years, and there are no plans for finishing it, so no new infrastructures are needed. Thus, the City has to return the money from the fund, blocking the possibility of new investments.
"Bellarotja" Residential Development.Pego, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
"Almunia Confort" Residential Development.
El Ràfol D´Almúnia, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
"Almunia Confort" Residential Development.El Ràfol D´Almúnia, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
"In Tempo" residential building.
Benidorm, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
With a construction cost of €93 million, it was going to be the highest residential tower in Spain, an "unquestionable landmark of the future". Now the works are still (even though the tower is 93% finished), and the constructing company has filed for bankruptcy.
"In Tempo" residential building.Benidorm, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
Urban Plan 5.
Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
These old orchards were to yield way to a new and dynamic neighborhood for 3,300 new homes, but the crisis stopped it half way. With very few inhabitants and practically no commerce, it is an empty neighborhood.
Urban Plan 5.Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
Unfinished residential building.
Tens of thousands of residential developments just froze after the burst of the property bubble. In some, like in this one, the works have resumed. The years of inactivity have an impact on the durability of the construction, and therefore over the lifespan of the buildings that has to be assessed for each individual case.
Unfinished residential building.Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
"La Nueva Condomina" Residential Neighborhood.
Murcia.
It was meant to be a luxury residential complex in the outskirts of Murcia, but the bursting of the property bubble left a single, half-empty, apartment block... and a vast grid of deserted streets where illegal dumping and copper theft thrive. The constructor, the mayor and other members of the City Council are under investigation for corruption in connection with this project.
"La Nueva Condomina" Residential Neighborhood.Murcia.
Fortuna Hill Nature and Residential Golf Resort.
Fortuna, Murcia.
With this complex, the village of Fortuna would have doubled its population, but by the time the constructor went bankrupt, only the of 17% of the houses had been started.
Fortuna Hill Nature and Residential Golf Resort.Fortuna, Murcia.
Northern Expansion of the City.
The northern sector was chosen canalize the growth of the city, by building more than 30,000 apartments in this district, that during the boom years became the most expensive of the city. In some areas, most of the buildings are finished (some inhabited, some not), but other areas are just a patchwork of empty lots and half-constructed buildings.
Northern Expansion of the City.Murcia.
"Torre Norte".
During the construction boom, there were more than ten skyscrapers planned in Murcia. Most of those whose construction had time to start have become concrete skeletons, legacy of a time were not even the sky was the limit. Like this one, which with its 22 stories would have been one of the highest buildings in Murcia, but it only got to the 13th floor.
"Torre Norte".Murcia.
"Torres Gemelas Fuertes", office space. (Formerly known as "Torres JMC")
By building the city's highest towers and baptizing them with his own initials, constructor Jesús Mengual Camacho wanted to be a part of what was to be the new dawn of the city. From here, the views over Murcia are stunning, however, not many people are around to enjoy them, most of its 46 floors are empty. From 2014 the towers have a new owner.
"Torres Gemelas Fuertes", office space. (Formerly known as "Torres JMC")Murcia.
"Huerto del Emir" Hotel.
It was going to be the first 5-star hotel in Murcia, but it has only been used by the city's fire department as training grounds.
"Huerto del Emir" Hotel.Murcia.
"Condado De Alhama" Residential Development.
Alhama de Murcia, Murcia.
Polaris World was not the type of company that thought small. They were the largest developer of the region of Murcia, and their trademark was large-scale residential resorts built around a golf course. "Condado de Alhama" was supposed to be the jewel of their crown. This 9 million m² gated community was to harbor 15,000 villas and three 18-hole golf courses, but the crisis cut its wings and in the end only one golf course and 3,000 houses were built. The golf course is open, but most of the houses are still empty.
"Condado De Alhama" Residential Development.Alhama de Murcia, Murcia.
"Campo De Vuelo" Residential Development.
"Which pilot has never dreamed of landing his plane on the runway of his community, and park it on his own private garden?". With this slogan, the promoters wanted to attract buyers for the over 900 planned houses (159 with private hangar) that were to be constructed. However, only the runway and a handful of houses were ever finished. The premises are now being used by a skydiving club.
"Campo De Vuelo" Residential Development.Alhama de Murcia, Murcia.
"Ochando Golf" residential development.
Sucina, Murcia.
It was going to be another residential complex with golf course, but it was never finished. When the construction company went bankrupt, many buyers their down payment.
"Ochando Golf" residential development.Sucina, Murcia.
Unfinished houses.
Unfinished houses.Sucina, Murcia.
"La Nueva Tercia".
La Tercia, Murcia.
It was finished, but the crisis cut off the sales, and its occupation rate is very low.
"La Nueva Tercia".La Tercia, Murcia.
"Mosa Trajectum" Golf Resort.
Baños y Mendigo, Murcia.
With three golf courses and its own commercial center, this luxury resort sponsored by Johan Cruyff wanted to be the one of reference in this area of Murcia, especially affected by this type of developments. Now the courses are dry, the commercial center closed, and the homes in bad shape. Luckily there are not many people living here... and the competition is not doing much better.
"Mosa Trajectum" Golf Resort.Baños y Mendigo, Murcia.
"El Valle" Golf Resort.
This complex was finished in 2005, and its golf course is still running. Some of the homes are holidays lettings, but most of those that are for sale are still empty.
"El Valle" Golf Resort.Baños y Mendigo, Murcia.
Golden Sun Beach & Golf Resort.
Pulpí, Almería, Andalucía.
With a capacity for 12,000 people, if this resort had been completed in the way it was intended, it would have increase the population of the county by 150%.
Golden Sun Beach & Golf Resort.Pulpí, Almería, Andalucía.
"Feudo del Almanzora" Hotel & Residential Resort.
El Calón, Almería, Andalucía.
"Feudo del Almanzora" Hotel & Residential Resort.El Calón, Almería, Andalucía.
"Atalaya de Mojácar" appartment buildings.
Mojácar, Almería, Andalucía.
The crisis hit like a lightning. Two-thirds of this development were finished, but the money for the last part ran out.
"Atalaya de Mojácar" appartment buildings.Mojácar, Almería, Andalucía.
Playa Macenas Beach & Golf Resort.
Environmental organizations fought in vain against the construction of this giant development which included 1,400 homes, two hotels, two golf courses, and a commercial center because it is built on protected land. What was not stopped by court, was stopped, at least partially, by the crisis.
Playa Macenas Beach & Golf Resort.Mojácar, Almería, Andalucía.
"El Algarrobico" Hotel.
Carboneras, Almería, Andalucía.
The construction of this gigantic hotel of 21 floors and 411 rooms began in 2003. It had all the necessary permits from the authorities despite the fact it is located inside the natural park of Cabo de Gata, and less than 100 meters from the shore. In 2006, the judge ruled in favor of the environmentalists and ordered the precautionary suspension of the construction, and so it remains until today, awaiting the end of a long legal battle.
"El Algarrobico" Hotel.Carboneras, Almería, Andalucía.
"El Toyo" Residential Development.
Almería, Andalucía.
"El Toyo" was the Olympic Village of the Mediterranean Games held in Almería in 2005. With its almost 5,000 planned new homes, it was designed to be the development of reference in the area. Ten years later, reality shows a very different picture. Not even half of what was planned was actually constructed, and of what is constructed, a great deal is still for sale.
"El Toyo" Residential Development.Almería, Andalucía.
"Torre Laguna" Building.
El Ejido, Almería, Andalucía.
It is the highest finished building in Andalusia. It has both apartments and office space, but most of it is empty.
"Torre Laguna" Building.El Ejido, Almería, Andalucía.
"Los Alminares" Residential.
Salobreña, Granada, Andalucía.
Francisco Correa, the main indicted in the Gürtel corruption plot, wanted to use this development for laundering money, but most of the houses did not sell and the constructor went bankrupt.
"Los Alminares" Residential.Salobreña, Granada, Andalucía.
"La Reserva de la Punta de la Mona" Residential.
Almuñécar, Granada, Andalucía.
"La Reserva de la Punta de la Mona" Residential.Almuñécar, Granada, Andalucía.
"Nuevo Chilches" Residential Development.
Vélez-Málaga, Málaga, Andalucía.
"Nuevo Chilches" Residential Development.Vélez-Málaga, Málaga, Andalucía.
District of Teatinos.
Málaga, Andalucía.
Another example of a neighborhood that was still born. Here you find all stages of the property bubble: lots covered in weeds, concrete skeletons, and empty buildings.
District of Teatinos.Málaga, Andalucía.
"Dominion Heights" housing development.
Estepona, Málaga, Andalucía.
Another of the tens of thousands of residential developments in Spain that were never finished, although in this case the problems arose before the burst of the property bubble. Now it is used as grounds for paintball battles.
"Dominion Heights" housing development.Estepona, Málaga, Andalucía.
"Casares del Sol Suites" residential development.
Casares, Málaga, Andalucía.
As developers fled Marbella from saturation and corruption scandals, Casares was called to be the new golden mile of the Costa del Sol as the construction of luxury resorts thrived here. Today this area is known as the "Chernobyl of Málaga". In 2012, the former mayor and the urban planning councillor were indicted for corruption.
"Casares del Sol Suites" residential development.Casares, Málaga, Andalucía.
Leisure and Tourism Complex.
Villamayor de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Golf course, hotel, spa, quad track, riding school, hunting grounds, and 500 luxury villas. A new concept of vacation 10 km away from the closed Ciudad Real Airport, and 30 km from the waste grounds that were supposed to hold one of the biggest casinos in southern Europe.
Leisure and Tourism Complex.Villamayor de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Leisure and Residential Complex "Reino de Don Quijote".
Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
In the most pure Vegas-style, this complex was to have three golf courses, three hotels, a casino, a spa, an aquatic park, a convention center, a theater, a commercial center, and 9,000 homes. It would generate 7,000 direct and 11,000 indirect job opportunities.
Leisure and Residential Complex "Reino de Don Quijote".Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
"Sociópolis" neighborhood.
Some of the world's top architects participated in this project, which was shown at the MoMa in New York. It was "a new concept of city, of neighborhood and of social and sustainable urbanism that breaks the traditional moulds". In the end, though, only 5 of the planned 18 buildings were built, and there are no signs from the planned public facilities. The neighborhood is cut off from the rest of the city, and the maintenance of the public space is practically non-existing.
"Sociópolis" neighborhood.València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Barenys de Salou Sector 01.
Salou, Tarragona, Catalunya.
The urban growth of Salou was planned to take place on these former agricultural plots. The City spent €29 million on developing the land, but the expansion never happened.
Barenys de Salou Sector 01.Salou, Tarragona, Catalunya.
"Nuevo Belvalle" Residential.
Meco, Madrid.
These were top modern houses, with plasma TV and domotics. "Houses so perfect, that you will only have to find a partner". Still, most of them never were sold.
"Nuevo Belvalle" Residential.Meco, Madrid.
Municipal Town Planning Plan of Chiloeches.
Chiloeches, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
In 2002, with the excuse of the construction of a high-speed rail station nearby, a new town plan was drafted. This plan allowed for the construction of 9,800 new homes, meaning that by 2014 the population would have grown from 1,500 to 34,000 people. In reality, "only" around a thousand new homes were built, and the population grew to 3,300 inhabitants. The rest is a vast grid of paved streets in the middle of nowhere, that do not go anywhere.
Municipal Town Planning Plan of Chiloeches.Chiloeches, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
Municipal Town Planning Plan of Horche.
Horche, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
In 2004, with the excuse of the construction of a high-speed rail station nearby, the town plan was redrafted. These changes allowed for the construction of 9,000 new homes, meaning that the population could have grown from 1,800 to 27,500 people. In reality, "only" a very small amount of the new houses were ever built, and even less were sold. The City Council's debt with the banks passed from €18.000 in 2008 to €819.000 in 2013.
Municipal Town Planning Plan of Horche.Horche, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
"Las Avenidas" Residential Development.
Yebes, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
The landscape confirms that Yebes is one of the townships in Spain most affected by the property bubble. Between 2001-2011, the number of buildings increased by 680%, that is 25 times more buildings in just 10 years. However, 60% of the new homes are empty. This, of course, without taking into account those that were never built.
"Las Avenidas" Residential Development.Yebes, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
"Ciudad Valdeluz".
The developers of this mini-city planned for 30,000 people promised high-speed commuting to Madrid, hospital, and schools. Eight years after the first new neighbors moved in, there is neither of that. Of the planned 9,500 new homes, only 2,000 have been built, and most are empty. The around 2,000 people that live here have seen how the value of their homes has fallen up to 60%.
"Ciudad Valdeluz".Yebes, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
"Moncalvillo Green Casas & Golf" residential development.
Sojuela, La Rioja.
With its almost 1,100 new houses, this complex was supposed to increase by 30 times the population of the small village of Sojuela. When the constructor filed for bankruptcy in 2008, only the 18-hole golf course and around half of the houses had been built. The golf course is open, but the majority of the houses are still empty.
"Moncalvillo Green Casas & Golf" residential development.Sojuela, La Rioja.
Soto de Lezkairu neighborhood.
Pamplona, Navarra.
With almost 6,300 planned new homes, this was to be a lively neighborhood, with "schools, leisure and cultural facilities, shops, areas of technological development, and company headquarters". Definitely, "a privileged place to live". But in the end, less than one fourth of the planned houses have been built.
Soto de Lezkairu neighborhood.Pamplona, Navarra.
Zabalgana Neighborhood.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Euskadi.
During the construction boom, the City Council launched an gigantic expansion plan for the city, that meant constructing almost 30,000 new homes. Only in Zabalgana 12,000 new homes should have been built, but that figure was, by far, never reached.
Zabalgana Neighborhood.Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Euskadi.
"Ladera Sur" Residential Development.
Mompía, Cantabria.
In the ghost developments left by the property bubble, the few new residents have found silence as their neighbors.
"Ladera Sur" Residential Development.Mompía, Cantabria.
"Costa Verde" Residential.
Piélagos, Cantabria.
In order to build these 400 new homes, 600,000 m3 had to be hollowed out. This such high impact on the landscape was the reason the construction was stopped in 2007. In 2011, their illegality was ratified by the Supreme Court, which ordered the demolishing of all the houses, and the restitution of the landscape. The City Council refuses to comply with the Court ruling.
"Costa Verde" Residential.Piélagos, Cantabria.
Empty Apartments.
Alfoz de Quintanadueñas, Burgos, Castilla y León.
Not counting the non-finished buildings, in 2014 there was in Spain 3.4 million empty homes.
Empty Apartments.Alfoz de Quintanadueñas, Burgos, Castilla y León.
Unfinished Building.
Aranda de Duero, Burgos, Castilla y León.
Unfinished Building.Aranda de Duero, Burgos, Castilla y León.
"Puente Real" residential development.
Cabezón de Pisuerga, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
"A peaceful place with green and leisure areas, all what you and your family need for a dream life". The almost 6,000 houses that were planned in this small town would have supposed an eightfold increase in population, but the burst of the property bubble prevented it.
"Puente Real" residential development.Cabezón de Pisuerga, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
"Las Lomas de Arroyo" neighborhood.
Arroyo de la Encomienda, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
The recent construction boom has resulted in whole new neighborhoods like this one in the outskirts of many cities: A street grid encasing empty lots and new buildings. While in some of the buildings the occupancy rate of residential space has reached an acceptable level, the occupancy of the new commercial spaces is consistently very low.
"Las Lomas de Arroyo" neighborhood.Arroyo de la Encomienda, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
"Altos de León" Residential".
León, Castilla y León.
"Altos de León" Residential".León, Castilla y León.
"Costa Miño Golf" Residential Development.
Miño, A Coruña, Galicia.
The construction of Costa Miño Golf began in 2005 during the golden years of the property bubble. A golf course, a hotel, a mall, and over 1,200 houses were to be built. When the construction was stopped in 2008, only the golf course and half of the houses had been built, and seven years later, the vast majority of them are still empty. Moreover, the Superior Regional Court has ruled the expropriation process to be illegal, forcing the City Council to pay around €25 million (five times its annual budget) to the affected owners, putting the town in a delicate economic situation.
"Costa Miño Golf" Residential Development.Miño, A Coruña, Galicia.
"Alba Marina" Residential.
Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Castilla y León.
There were going to be 130 luxury houses, a yacht club with paddle courts and an indoor pool, but it came to naught.
"Alba Marina" Residential.Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Castilla y León.
"El Junquillo" Residential Development.
Cáceres, Extremadura
"El Junquillo" was to be a new, modern, and dynamic neighborhood in the outskirts of Cáceres, but due to bureaucratic problems with the local authorities, the few buildings that were built (one third of the total planned housing) were empty for several years. In 2013, the first families could finally move in, but in this block the vast majority of the apartments are still empty. Today, "El Junquillo" still lacks regular street maintenance and bus connection into the city.
"El Junquillo" Residential Development.Cáceres, Extremadura
"Los Álamos" Apartment Complex.
Mérida, Badajoz, Extremadura.
"El Prado" district, in the outskirts of Mérida, is one of these new neighborhoods that popped out from nowhere during the worst years of the property bubble. This complex was abandoned in 2009, when the construction company went bankrupt. In summer 2013, 13 families with no resources moved in here, but the local authorities evicted them a few months later and proceeded to wall in the complex. These families are now being prosecuted for illegal appropriation
"Los Álamos" Apartment Complex.Mérida, Badajoz, Extremadura.
"Marina Isla de Valdecañas" residential development.
El Gordo, Cáceres, Extremadura.
In order to be able to be able to build on protected land, the regional government declared this development of special regional interest in 2007. When four years later, the Regional Court repealed the project, the regional government changed the Land Law in order to make it possible. However, in 2014, the Supreme Court ratified the judgement and ordered the demolition of the complex and the restitution of the landscape. But the regional government refuses to comply.
"Marina Isla de Valdecañas" residential development.El Gordo, Cáceres, Extremadura.
Townhouses.
Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
Townhouses.Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
Advanced Neighborhood.
Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
This ambitious project was supposed to be "a new culture of the relationship between man and nature". Here there would be 2,000 social housing homes, a sports arena, a community health center, schools... everything aiming to be "a model of social and environmental sustainability" at a cost of €393 million. Only the visitor's center was ever built, for €600,000 .
Advanced Neighborhood.Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
"La Regalada" Residential Developmetn.
Cedillo del Condado, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
In many small towns near Madrid new neighborhoods were built awaiting hordes of new residents due to that the new highways would shorten the time to the capital. In these neighborhoods, deserted streets, concrete skeletons and empty houses have become part of the landscape. In some cases, like in this one, there are security concerns for the few residents living there.
"La Regalada" Residential Developmetn.Cedillo del Condado, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
Neighborhood of San Andrés y el Pinar.
Navalcarnero, Madrid.
The general plan of 2002 planned for more than 40,000 new residents, of which around half would move in here, but the census shows that only a few more than 3.200 have actually moved in. These new neighbors have to face a very different reality than the one they had bought, without the expected the infrastructures and connections used to promote the apartments. Despite this, in 2009, a new general plan that plans for 70,000 new additional residents was approved.
Neighborhood of San Andrés y el Pinar.Navalcarnero, Madrid.
South Móstoles.
Móstoles, Madrid.
Although it was not different from other developments, local and regional authorities tried to present this project as "a new concept of public policy in building a city". They promised 8,500 new homes and public facilities that would meet the needs of the 30,000 new residents. However, very few of the facilities have been constructed, and only around half of the homes, of which many are empty. The slogan during its promotion was: "South Móstoles, a city of future". Yes, but a distant one.
South Móstoles.Móstoles, Madrid.
South Expansion of the City.
Alcorcón, Madrid.
In an effort of retaining the younger population in the city, Alcorcón decided to build affordable public housing. Of the 9,500 new homes planned here, 8,400 were public housing homes and the rest private. Until now, around 6,000 public homes have been built, but more than half remain empty. There are no signs from the private housing, and very few of the planned public facilites have been built. Due to the City's housing fever, the municipal debt has escalated in recent years up to €600 million. And it is not finished yet, in 2013 the City approved the construction of more than 1,000 new public homes in the norhern part of the city.
South Expansion of the City.Alcorcón, Madrid.
"Fuente Elvira" Residential Development.
Galapagar, Madrid.
When the guard of the development stopped getting paid, he settled in one 14 finished houses, although with no water or power. Short afterwards other squatters have settled in and created a small community. Now, even some of the unfinished houses are occupied.
"Fuente Elvira" Residential Development.Galapagar, Madrid.
Expansion of Vallecas.
With 28,000 planned new homes, this is the largest expansion plan in the Madrid region. Up to now, more than 75% of the homes have been built, although around 20% of them are empty. However, only 25% of the planned public facilities have been constructed. This new area is completely surrounded and fragmented by highways, which accentuates its character of bedroom suburb.
Expansion of Vallecas.Madrid.
"Son Valentí" office building.
Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears.
The property bubble was not only about the residential market. All around Spain it is easy to find empty or nearly empty office buildings like this one.
"Son Valentí" office building.Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears.
"Son Güells" Residential Development.
The burst of the property bubble caught almost everyone by surprise, even the developers themselves, who in many cases did not even empty the sales stands at the construction site.
"Son Güells" Residential Development.Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears.
"Cala Romántica Villas Manacor" Residential Development.
Manacor, Illes Balears.
When the constructor went bankrupt in 2008, many of the buyers of these 100 houses lost their savings, but the battle for recovering them continues.
"Cala Romántica Villas Manacor" Residential Development.Manacor, Illes Balears.
"Son Vent Nou" Residential Development.
"Son Vent Nou" Residential Development.Manacor, Illes Balears.
Empty Building.
Not counting the unfinished developments, in 2014 there were 3.4 million empty homes in Spain, like the ones in this building.
Empty Building.Manacor, Illes Balears.
"Molins de Vent" residential development.
Montuïri, Illes Balears.
"Living in peacefulness" was the slogan of this empty block of 18 apartments in the heart of rural Mallorca, but no one wanted to.
"Molins de Vent" residential development.Montuïri, Illes Balears.
"Sa Marina" Residential.
This complex consists of a gated community for 166 families, and more than 60 plots for detached houses. The gated community was finished, but the crisis froze the sales causing a very low occupancy rate. The same is true for the plots.
"Sa Marina" Residential.Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears.
"Las Casas de Es Trenc" Residential Development.
Campos, Mallorca.
"Las Casas de Es Trenc" Residential Development.Campos, Mallorca.
"Sa Vinyola" Golf Course.
The project was born in 2003, when the territorial plan approved the construction of 13 new golf courses in Mallorca, thus increasing to 30 the number courses in an island with scarce water resources. This course was never opened because the promoter left it when the authorities denied a permit to build a hotel in its surroundings.
"Sa Vinyola" Golf Course.Campos, Mallorca.
Volpelleres Neighborhood.
Sant Cugat, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Volpelleres is another of those neighborhoods born by the warmth of the property bubble, and that did not develop all the way. There is a commuter train station, but there are plenty of empty plots, concrete skeletons and vacant homes.
Volpelleres Neighborhood.Sant Cugat, Barcelona, Catalunya.
"Can Ametller" Business Park.
These four buildings have been completely empty since they were finished in 2009. One of the buildings was occupied during during the first half of 2015.
"Can Ametller" Business Park.Sant Cugat, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Empty Commercial Space.
Barcelona, Catalunya.
In new construction, the occupation of residential space has, in some places, reached an acceptable level, but the occupation of the commercial space is consistently very low everywhere.
Empty Commercial Space.Barcelona, Catalunya.
"L Invertida" Building.
"L Invertida" Building.Barcelona, Catalunya.
Office Building.
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Although in 2014 the office market seemed to reactivate, the new business areas, like the Plaça d'Europa, still concentrate most of the vacant office space in the large cities.
Office Building.L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Empty Apartment Block.
Tàrrega, Lleida, Catalunya.
In 2005, the regional government announced the construction of a prison in the town's outskirts, which triggered a huge property speculation. When in 2011 the prison plans were cancelled, more than 2,000 empty homes were left waiting for a buyer that will probably never come.
Empty Apartment Block.Tàrrega, Lleida, Catalunya.
Deserted street grid.
Alcarràs, Lleida, Catalunya.
Alcarràs used to be a small rural town of less than 5,000 inhabitants, but the plan drafted during the construction boom contemplated almost 13.000 new homes, which would have meant an eightfold increase in population. Far from all were built, nevertheless Alcarràs has, during these years, doubled its population, and the empty homes have more than trippled.
Deserted street grid.Alcarràs, Lleida, Catalunya.
"Ciudad Zaragoza Golf" Residential Development.
La Muela, Zaragoza, Aragón.
During the past century the population had been stable around 1,000 inhabitants, but in an attempt of becoming the third city of Aragón, 15,000 new homes were planned in order to accomodate 45,000 new residents. However, it did not go according to the plan. Although now the population has increased to 5,000 people, there are also almost 1,000 empty homes. In this development, 2,500 homes were planned, but only a block with 39 apartments was finished, and most of them are still empty.
"Ciudad Zaragoza Golf" Residential Development.La Muela, Zaragoza, Aragón.
"Las Dehesas de San Mateo" Residential Development.
San Mateo de Gállego, Zaragoza, Aragón.
It was going to be another of these enormous developments built around a golf course in the middle of nowhere. Located in the outskirts of a small village of 3,000 inhabitants, this development was planned to host 9,000 residents, but the burst of the property bubble prevented it..
"Las Dehesas de San Mateo" Residential Development.San Mateo de Gállego, Zaragoza, Aragón.
"Proclub Grup Immobiliari" Property Developer.
Palamós, Girona, Catalunya.
The burst of the bubble wiped out more than 200,000 companies related to the property market. Around 90% of the real estate agencies, almost 30% of the developers, and more than 40% of the constructors did not survive the crisis.
"Proclub Grup Immobiliari" Property Developer.Palamós, Girona, Catalunya.
"Teguise Greens" Residential Development.
Teguise, Las Palmas, Canarias.
The crisis hit like a lightning. Most of the complex was finished, but the money for the last part ran out.
"Teguise Greens" Residential Development.Teguise, Las Palmas, Canarias.
Illegal Hotel.
In 2000, in the midst of the property fever, a construction moratorium was declared in Lanzarote. However, the counties of Yaiza and Teguise continued issuing touristic licenses illegally. The regional Superior Court has ratified the illegality of the licences of 22 hotels, although not all were finished.
Illegal Hotel.Teguise, Las Palmas, Canarias.
Castelló Airport.
Although it did not have the permits to operate, the airport was officially inaugurated just before local and regional elections in 2011. However, the airport remained closed for almost four years before, in the wake of new elections, it finally opened for traffic. After a few months of receiving sporadic private flights, the first regular connections are scheduled for late 2015. The regional government granted €25 million to the company that took the 20-year concession of the airport, amount that should be added to the almost €170 million of public money spent on its construction, equipment, and various sponsorship deals over the years. The €300,000 sculpture depicts Carlos Fabra, longtime head of the provincial government and driving force behind the airport. For a long time it was the only plane in the airport.
Castelló Airport.Cabanes, Castelló, Comunitat Valenciana.
Second Ring Road.
The forecasts predicted a traffic of 30,000 daily vehicles, but it has never even reached one third of that figure, and in 2014 only 5,300 passed through. The concessionary is bankrupt after spending €445 million on its construction.
Second Ring Road.Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
Tramway Tunnel.
In order to bypass a one-track bottleneck that affects all lines in Alicante's tramway network, the construction of a €36 million tunnel under the Serra Grossa began in 2010, and was to be finished one year later. Instead, the works were stopped and so they remain until today. In the meanwhile, the new tramways bought for the expected increase in frequency, gather dust in the central depot.
Tramway Tunnel.Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
Murcia International Airport.
Corvera, Murcia.
According to the regional president, the new international airport would "not cost any money to the taxpayers" because it would be operated by a private concession. However, the region of Murcia had to underwrite a loan of €200 million to the concessionary company in order for the construction to proceed. The problem with this airport is that it is located only 20 km away from the San Javier Airport, so close that their air space is incompatible. The regional government urged the state owned network AENA to close San Javier Airport, but AENA had just invested 70 million euros in improving its facilities and wanted to be compensated for it, something the regional government refused to do. In this way, the new airport has been finished and closed for three years, and still there is not a clear solution for this dead end. Meanwhile, the concessionary company has initiated legal actions in order to recover its investment, which in the end might be paid by the taxpayers."
Murcia International Airport.Corvera, Murcia.
Toll Highway AP-7 Cartagena-Vera.
Mazarrón, Murcia.
Technical criteria state that a highway is considered necessary when the intensity of traffic at a certain stretch exceeds 10,000 vehicles/day. Thus, the 7,000 daily vehicles forecasted for this stretch was already a low figure, but on top of that, during the seven years it has been operative, it has never even reached half that figure (in 2014, 2,800 vehicles used it). Its cost: €650 million.
Toll Highway AP-7 Cartagena-Vera.Mazarrón, Murcia.
Vélez-Málaga Tramway.
In 2012, after 5 years in service, the tramway line was shut down due to lack of passengers. An investment of €40 million (half of which financed through European Union funds) that now serves as parking space.
Vélez-Málaga Tramway.Vélez-Málaga, Málaga, Andalucía.
Antequera-Santa Ana High-speed Rail Station.
Antequera, Málaga, Andalucía.
This €12 million station, built in the middle of the andalusian countryside along the Córdoba-Málaga line received in 2012 only 92 passengers a day. The interurban bus service was suppressed due to lack of viability, and the rental car booth and the shop closed long ago. Only the cafeteria remains open albeit with very short hours.
Antequera-Santa Ana High-speed Rail Station.Antequera, Málaga, Andalucía.
Puente Genil-Herrera High-speed Rail Station.
Herrera, Sevilla, Andalucía.
Built in the middle of the andalusian countryside, this €7 million station had in 2013 only 46 daily passengers. The restaurant and the rental car shop are also closed, and the interurban bus service was also suppressed due to lack of viability.
Puente Genil-Herrera High-speed Rail Station.Herrera, Sevilla, Andalucía.
Córdoba Airport.
Córdoba, Andalucía.
The expansion of the airport began in 2008 in order to be able to meet the forecasted increase in demand, up to 290,000 passengers in 2014. However, after an investment of €70 million, in 2014 the airport received only 6,600 passengers.
Córdoba Airport.Córdoba, Andalucía.
High-Speed Rail Station at "Los Pedroches".
Villanueva de Córdoba, Córdoba, Andalucía.
After 15 years of seeing high-speed trains hastening back and forth between Madrid and Seville, the citizens of Villanueva (pop. 10,000) felt that they also wanted to benefit from progress. In 2007, the platform "The train must stop in Los Pedroches" was founded, and mobilizations for the construction of a high-speed rail station in Villanueva started, converting this issue quickly into a powerful weapon in local politics. The construction of the station began in 2010 at a site 11 km from the village center, and was finished three years and €15 million later. After a year of trains just passing by, the station was finally opened in 2014, and since then has had an average of 105 daily passengers.
High-Speed Rail Station at "Los Pedroches".Villanueva de Córdoba, Córdoba, Andalucía.
Jaén Tramway.
Jaén, Andalucía.
This €120 million tramway system was finished in 2010, but it has never been used (except for a two-week trial period in 2011). Since then, the four cars have not left the depot, and the only use the inhabitants of Jaén have found for this deteriorating infrastructure has been as a parking lot.
Jaén Tramway.Jaén, Andalucía.
El Olivar Highway.
Mancha Real, Jaén, Andalucía.
Despite having a much lower traffic volume than what is considered necessary for twinning a road, the regional government will have invested more than €200 million in this highway when it is finally finished. The construction of this stretch has been stopped for more than three years, but it has recently been resumed.
El Olivar Highway.Mancha Real, Jaén, Andalucía.
Highway A-32.
Canena, Jaén, Andalucía.
Another highway far from the traffic volume considered necessary for its construction. The first stretches were built more than 20 years ago, but since it is not a strategic investment, it has suffered many postponements over the years. In may of the paralyzed stretches, the olive trees have been cut down, but the farmers have still not been paid for the expropriation of the land. The total budget amounts to €875 million.
Highway A-32.Canena, Jaén, Andalucía.
Ciudad Real Airport.
On the initiative of the regional government, a group of entrepreneurs built the airport for €1,100 million, all financed by Spain's first rescued savings bank "Caja Castilla-La Mancha". With one of Europe's longest runways, the airport opened in December 2008. It had capacity for 5 million yearly passengers, but when the airport closed three years later only around 100,000 passengers had passed through it. The airport has been put for auction eight times with a starting price of €80 million.
Ciudad Real Airport.Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Highway CM-42.
Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Ever since its opening in 2005, the traffic volume of this highway has been so low that almost none the gas stations along it have ever been profitable. This one has been closed and dismantled for more than six years.
Highway CM-42.Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Highway AP-36 Ocaña-La Roda.
Mota del Cuervo, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
It has a capacity for 60,000 daily vehicles, but there is no need for that. In 2014 only 2,900 vehicles a day passed through it. The concessionary filed for bankruptcy, so the construction cost of €575 million might be paid with public money.
Highway AP-36 Ocaña-La Roda.Mota del Cuervo, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Highway A-40 Ocaña-Cuenca.
Santa Cruz de la Zarza, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
This is stretch had in 2013 a traffic volume of 3,800 daily vehicles, therefore not even reaching 40% of the volume that engineers consider necessary for justifying the construction of a highway. The total cost for this stretch was €435 million.
Highway A-40 Ocaña-Cuenca.Santa Cruz de la Zarza, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
Cuenca High-speed Rail Station.
Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Built 5km outside of the city, this €19.5 million station, receives 164 daily high-speed train passengers.
Cuenca High-speed Rail Station.Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Albacete Airport.
Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha.
In 2005, after an investment of €10 million, the new passenger terminal was inaugurated. It is not connected by regular flights since the regional government stopped subsidizing the companies operating at the airport. In 2014, 1,570 passengers passed through here.
Albacete Airport.Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha.
Requena-Utiel High-Speed Rail Station.
Requena, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
It has been almost a policy to build HSR-stations far from the village centers, in the middle of nowhere. This has resulted in practically deserted stations such as this one, which, with its 21 daily travelers, is one of the least trafficked in the country. The shops at the station never opened and are used as storage rooms. In 2013, the bus service to and from this €12 million station was cancelled due to lack of viability.
Requena-Utiel High-Speed Rail Station.Requena, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Guadalajara-Yebes High-speed rail station.
This station was constructed in the middle of nowhere on a desert landscape, 9 km away from the province capital Guadalajara. It was the perfect excuse for planning several large scale developments that were supposed to be able to host 92,000 people, who could high-speed commute to Madrid. But since only around 4,400 people have actually moved in, there is no high-speed commuting service to Madrid. The station has 85 daily passengers. Its cost: €12 million.
Guadalajara-Yebes High-speed rail station.Yebes, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
Highway A-15 Medinaceli-Soria.
Soria, Castilla y León.
With its 5,000 daily vehicles, this highway has only half of the traffic volume considered necessary for its construction. A highway compared to a road, has a higher ecological impact and it is more expensive to build and maintain. For this stretch of 72 km, €260 million were spent.
Highway A-15 Medinaceli-Soria.Soria, Castilla y León.
Logroño Airport.
Logroño, La Rioja.
The master plan drafted prior to its opening in 2003 forecasted more than 300,000 passengers by 2015. However, reality shows that in 2014, there were only around 12,000. The airport is only open 35 hours a week, just the time necessary to operate its twelve weekly flights to/from Madrid, the airport's only destination. Total cost of the infrastructure: €33 million.
Logroño Airport.Logroño, La Rioja.
Pamplona Airport.
Noáin, Navarra.
In 2010, after an investment of €44 million, the new terminal was inaugurated. With a capacity for 1.1 million yearly passengers, the forecasts indicated that by 2014 the airport would receive 665.000 yearly passengers, but in reality it received only 20% of the expected passengers. The old control tower and terminal, perfectly functional, are closed.
Pamplona Airport.Noáin, Navarra.
Southern Ring Road.
The new neighborhoods west of the city were to be served by a new ring road, but the crisis froze the construction plans, and only the first phase became a reality. This part is closed to traffic because it ends in a wall.
Southern Ring Road.Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Euskadi.
Serantes Rail Tunnel.
Bilbao, Euskadi.
This 3.5 km tunnel was supposed to offer an alternative way out for the goods arriving to the port of Bilbao. But this €48 million investment has been closed since 2010, awaiting the construction of the connection to the national railway system.
Serantes Rail Tunnel.Bilbao, Euskadi.
Burgos Airport.
Burgos, Castilla y León.
After an investment of €46 million, this airport opened in 2008. Despite generous public subsidies to the airlines operating here, there has always been problems to attract traffic. The forecasts made prior to its construction indicated that it would serve 120,000 passengers a year by 2014, but the statistics show that there were only 21,000.
Burgos Airport.Burgos, Castilla y León.
Highway A-60 Valladolid-León.
Mansilla Mayor, León, Castilla y León.
It is not only the spending €468 million on a highway where the traffic intensity is much lower than what it is advised in order to justify its construction. It is also choosing a route bordering an important archaeological site, so that when new remains are found, the construction works have to be stopped, and the only solution is to modify the route for millions.
Highway A-60 Valladolid-León.Mansilla Mayor, León, Castilla y León.
Highway AP-71 León-Astorga.
Within civil engineering, it is widely acknowledged that, under normal circumstances, it is only sensible to build a highway if the average daily traffic (ADT) on a certain stretch exceeds 10,000 vehicles. Highway AP-71 from León to Astorga was opened in 2002 and has never reached more than half that figure (its ADT for 2014 was 4,000 vehicles). The concessionary filed for bankruptcy, so the construction cost of €115 million for this 37 km stretch will, most probably, be paid with public money through the rescue of the toll-highways in deficit.
Highway AP-71 León-Astorga.León, Castilla y León.
León Airport.
Despite that the airport never suffered from any kind of traffic congestion, three successive enlargement projects were carried out between 2005 and 2010 for 80 million euros, increasing its capacity to over one million yearly passengers. In 2014, the airport served only 23,000 passengers. The thing is that the airport has always had problems in attracting traffic despite that the regional authorities have subsidized the airlines operating here with a total of 20 million euros since its opening in 1999.
León Airport.León, Castilla y León.
Pajares Base Tunnel.
La Robla, León, Castilla y León.
The perforation of these 25 km-long tunnels began in 2004. Although once finished they will be the seventh largest in the world, only six months were devoted to pre-studies. Moreover, the environmental impact assessment did not take into account the ground water. It was not until 2006, after several incidents with water pouring from the walls of the galleries, that the first hydrogeological study was performed. The result: 20 aquifers had been perforated, causing subterranean water transfer between the north and south sides of the mountains, which, in turn, affected the water supply at the surface. The cost of this mess, up to now, amounts to €3.2 billion (nearly half of it are EU-funds). The objective is to open one of the tunnels before the general elections of 2015, for the other one there is no final solution in sight.
Pajares Base Tunnel.La Robla, León, Castilla y León.
Enlargement of the port of "El Musel".
Gijón, Asturias.
The works of enlargement of the port of "El Musel" were finished in 2010 after an investment of €630 million (40% of which were EU funds). Since then, it has remained empty and virtually unused. The regasification plant (another €380 million) was finished in 2012, but could not be put into operation because it was not connected to the national gas system. Moreover, in 2013, the Superior Court in Madrid ruled it to be illegal because it is built within 2 km of inhabited areas. In spite of the sentence and having a study stating that this plant will not be put into service until at least 2017 due to lack of demand, the national government authorized the construction of the pipeline (another 12 million euros) that now links it to the national gas system. If the Supreme Court ratifies its illegality, it will have to be demolished.
Enlargement of the port of "El Musel".Gijón, Asturias.
High-Speed Rail Viaduct.
Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Galicia.
High-speed rail requires the tracks to be as flat and straight as possible. Therefore, the fragmented orography of this part of Galicia has caused the cost of the line Ourense-Santiago to rocket up to €2.5 billion euros (of its 87 km, 50 km pass over a viaduct, or go through a tunnel). However, it has not been very much of a public success. During its first year of operation (2012), the trains did not even reached an occupancy rate of 20%, and there has not been a dramatic increase after that, in spite of the new policy of lower ticket prices.
High-Speed Rail Viaduct.Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Galicia.
Highway A-54 Santiago-Lugo.
Palas de Rei, Lugo, Galicia.
The traffic volume in the national road N-547 is one third of that considered necessary in order to justify its twinning. Although it is a road with a high accident rate, there are cheaper ways to reduce accidents than the over €520 million spent on this highway. The construction works at some stretches are being rushed in order to be finished for the general elections of 2015, but fact that the works have been delayed and stopped time and again shows that this highway is hardly necessary.
Highway A-54 Santiago-Lugo.Palas de Rei, Lugo, Galicia.
Highway A-75 Verín-Portuguese Border.
Verín, Ourense, Galicia.
The €62 million spent on the construction this 13 km highway, could have been better used elsewhere. The traffic volume does not reach even one third of the vehicles considered necessary in order to justify the construction of a highway.
Highway A-75 Verín-Portuguese Border.Verín, Ourense, Galicia.
Salamanca Airport.
Salamanca, Castilla y León.
The new terminal was inaugurated in 2005 after an investment of €7 million and was recently refurbished for another €6.5 million. It has a capacity of 400 passengers per hour, but last year it served only 48 passengers a day. Its only regular connection is going to be cancelled when the regional subsidy of €2 million to the airline operating it disappears.
Salamanca Airport.Salamanca, Castilla y León.
Badajoz Airport.
Badajoz, Extremadura.
After an investment of €10 million, the extension of the airport was finished in 2010, which increased its capacity from 180,000 yearly passengers to 700,000. The airport's all-time passenger record was set in 2007 with 91,000, and in 2014 there were only 39,600. Despite this huge fall of passengers, the regional government plans to invest 4.5 million in improving the road connections to the airport, in order to be able to absorb the 100,000 expected passengers, according to their own forecasts, in 2015.
Badajoz Airport.Badajoz, Extremadura.
"Castilla-La Mancha" Bridge.
There is not much traffic going through it because the ring road it is a part of, was never finished. The viewing platform at the top is not accessible because the elevator is not approved for public use. The bill was €74 million and the maintenance is very expensive, but at least it is the highest bridge in Spain.
"Castilla-La Mancha" Bridge.Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
Highway AP-41.
Numancia de la Sagra, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
When it was opened in 2006 after an investment of €440 million, the concessionary expected 20,000 daily vehicles. But reality proved that this figure was pure fantasy, and in 2011 the company filed for bankruptcy. The little traffic volumes have decreased over the years until 2014, reaching a minimum-low in 2014 with 859 daily cars.This gas station receives so little traffic that the employees park their cars in the fueling area.
Highway AP-41.Numancia de la Sagra, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
Commuter train line.
A gigantic development in Navalcarnero was the excuse for connecting Móstoles and Navalcarnero, in the outskirts of Madrid, through a tramway line for €190 million. However, in the wake of the elections in 2007, the regional president morphed it into to a commuting train line and granted its construction for €362 million. In 2010, with €140 million already spent, the works were stopped and so they remain until today, with no solution in sight.
Commuter train line.Navalcarnero, Madrid.
Check-in Terminal at the Subway Station "Nuevos Ministerios".
When it opened in 2002, the possibility of checking in baggage in the center of the city instead of in the airport was presented as the height of modernity, as it was almost a unique service in the world. Four years later the terminal closed "provisionally" due to construction works in the subway's Line 8. But this several million investment was never used again. It is planned that in 2015 it will become a commercial area.
Check-in Terminal at the Subway Station "Nuevos Ministerios".Madrid.
MP-203 Highway.
Mejorada del Campo, Madrid.
The idea behind toll-highway MP-203 was to reduce the traffic congestion in this part of Madrid's metropolitan area. In 2007, after having built 70% of its 12.5 km (and having spent €70 million on it), the constructing company abandoned the works because of problems with the connection with highway R-3, and the bypass of the high-speed rail tracks that could not be solved. These problems however, were known from the beginning, and the regional government let the works begin anyway. Today, the highway is used for leisure by joggers and bicyclists.
MP-203 Highway.Mejorada del Campo, Madrid.
Highway R-3.
In order to solve the traffic congestion around Madrid, the radial toll-highway system was conceived as an alternative to enlarging the existing free highways. However, they were enlarged anyway, which resulted in the newly build toll-highways receiving only one-fourth of the forecasted traffic. The concessionary companies of all four radial highways, as well as five other toll-highway concessionaires around Spain, have filed for bankruptcy. Now, the government must find a solution that saves the Spanish taxpayers from paying a €5 billion bill.
Highway R-3.Madrid.
Valdebebas Commuter Train Station.
A gigantic housing project for 40,000 people, and the City of Justice were planned in this Madrid suburb. It seemed just natural to build a station here when the commuting train network reached the nearby airport in 2011. However, the City of Justice was never built and only 4,400 people have moved into the new houses in the area, so the the train operator Renfe does not find it profitable to open the otherwise completely finished station.
Valdebebas Commuter Train Station.Madrid.
Manacor-Artà train-tram line.
Sant Llorenç d'es Cardassar, Illes Balears.
The regional government wanted to recover the old train line of eastern Mallorca. In 2009 the construction works began with a €444 million budget, but two years and €57.5 million later already been spent, the new right wing regional government stopped the works and discarded the project. In 2014, after an investment of more than €4 million, the railroad path was transformed into a greenway for walking and cycling.
Manacor-Artà train-tram line.Sant Llorenç d'es Cardassar, Illes Balears.
Highway B-40.
Viladecavalls, Barcelona, Catalunya.
This highway was planned since the 60's, but its construction did not begin until 2007. Three years later two discontinuous stretches (a total of 7 km) were after an investment of €168 million, but the construction of rest was stopped . Five years later, just before elections, the central government reactivated the works. But it will take time to finish it; of the €222 million left for its completion there are only €15 million in 2015's budget.
Highway B-40.Viladecavalls, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Subway lines L9 and L10.
With its 48 km and 52 stations, it was supposed to be finished in 2007 and become the longest underground line in Europe. In 2010 the eastern branch (12 stations) was opened to the public, but the rest of the line remains closed, although the western branch is almost completely finished. The L9 to the airport is scheduled to open in 2016, but there are no plans for the L10 to the industrial area Zona Franca. The original budget was €2.5 billion, but during the course of the years the budget has increased to €16 billion.
Subway lines L9 and L10.Barcelona, Catalunya.
Cable Car Olesa-Esparreguera.
Esparreguera, Barcelona, Catalunya.
When it opened in 2005, the forecasts indicated a traffic volume of 250,000 annual passengers. After one year in service, even though the traffic did not even reach one third of the expected passengers, some works were carried out anticipating a future increase of its capacity. When in 2011 the service was closed, the average annual passengers did not even reach 80,000. The total investment in this infrastructure was nearly €10 million, all for saving 5 minutes compared to the bus.
Cable Car Olesa-Esparreguera.Esparreguera, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Lleida-Alguaire Airport.
Alguaire, Lleida, Catalunya.
It opened in 2010 after an investment of €96 million, and only a year later extension works were carried out for another €1.5 million. The forecasts indicated that within a decade there would be a traffic volume of 400,000 passengers. But statistics show that in 2014 there were only 30,000, in spite of the subsidies the airlines receive for operating here.
Lleida-Alguaire Airport.Alguaire, Lleida, Catalunya.
Highway A-14 began to be built where it was easiest to expropriate soil, far from all possible junctions. When successive budget cuts stopped the construction in 2012, all there was left was a 10 km long chunk of asphalt that goes from no place to nowhere. The works to connect it with the provincial capital started in 2013. Total cost: €84 million.
Highway A-14.Alguaire, Lleida, Catalunya.
Huesca-Pirineos Airport.
Alcalá del Obispo, Huesca, Aragón.
In 2007 a new terminal and a new runway were put into service in order to absorb the expected increase in traffic over the upcoming years. By 2014 more than 155,000 passengers are expected, but in reality there were only 263 because since 2011 the airport has no regular connection. Total cost: €45 million, not counting airline subsidies or maintenance.
Huesca-Pirineos Airport.Alcalá del Obispo, Huesca, Aragón.
Highway A-22 Huesca-Lleida.
Here it is possible to see the contradiction when talking about the economic impact of infrastructures. If they were so necessary and their effect on the economy was so positive, their construction would not be stopped halfway. The last stretch of this highway has been waiting on the drawing board many years, but in fact it is not necessary, because the traffic of the existing road is very low.
Highway A-22 Huesca-Lleida.Alcalá del Obispo, Huesca, Aragón.
Other Construction Works
Orpesa Desalination Plant.
This plant was dimensioned for the 150,000 new inhabitants promised by the leisure and residential developments planned in the region, but that were never built. The plant was finished in 2014, four years behind schedule, after an investment of €63 million. The City is refuses to put it into operation as it cannot afford its annual running costs of €1 million. However, if the plant is not up and running by the end of 2015, the European funds received for the project (€17 million) will have to be returned. Another plant in Moncofa (50 km away), is in the exact same situation.
Orpesa Desalination Plant.Cabanes, Castelló, Comunitat Valenciana.
Industrial Park "Parc Sagunt".
Spain's finance minister and the regional president presented in 2002 the project for "the largest industrial park in Europe". With a budget of €252 million, "Parc Sagunt" was to be built in two phases, occupy 15 million m² and create 30,000 jobs. The authorities invested 150 million euros in the first phase, but after its opening in 2007, only three companies established themselves there. The plans for the second phase are frozen.
Industrial Park "Parc Sagunt".Sagunt, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Sagunt Desalination Plant.Sagunt, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Llíria County Hospital.
Llíria, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
The construction of this hospital began in 2007, with a budget of €26 million. Five years later, when it was almost finished, the regional government realized that it could not assume its running costs, so the works were stopped, and the building was shut down. In 2015, the hospital has been hastily opened before the regional elections , even though it was only in condition of offering very limited service.
Llíria County Hospital.Llíria, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
America's Cup Harbor.
The remodeling of the harbor in order to host the America's Cup, was financed with a credit of €320 million that was to be repaid through the revenue from the exploitation rights of the new facilities. However, the income generated was minimal, and the debt, unpaid for years, is now up to more than €400 million. The "Veles e Vents" building, the most emblematic of the harbor, is for hire for private parties and events. With the income obtained from it in 2014, it would take more than a hundred years to recover the €35 million spent on its construction, without taking into account interests or maintenance costs.
America's Cup Harbor.València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Formula 1 Street Circuit.
In 2007, the regional authorities announced that Valencia would be the host to a Grand Prix of the Formula 1 circuit for the following seven years. The regional president Francisco Camps promised then that the Formula 1 would have "zero cost" for the taxpayers. After these seven years have past the facts are: the last two races were cancelled because there was no budget for it, the F1-adventure has been paid with almost €300 million of public money, and that Francisco Camps is indicted for corruption in connection with the Formula 1 contracts.
Formula 1 Street Circuit.València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Multifunctional space "L'Àgora".
This building was officially inaugurated in 2009 despite that it was not completely finished. Its initial budget was €41 million, but the characteristic overrun of Santiago Calatrava's constructions boosted the final cost to €91 million. On top of that, it suffers from many construction flaws that require significant repair work. Since its opening, it has been strongly under-utilized, being eventless for more than 90% of the time.
Multifunctional space "L'Àgora".València, Comunitat Valenciana.
"Juan Antonio Samaranch" Sports Center.
The restoration of these old industrial yards and the construction of the sports center began in 2009 and were financed with €9 million from the central government's "Plan E". Three years later, the works were stopped and so remain to this day.
"Juan Antonio Samaranch" Sports Center.València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Miramar Tower.
This complex of fountains and gardens, whose main feature is a 32 meter-high viewpoint from which you can see the whole city, was opened in 2009 after an investment of €24 million. A few months later the elevator broke and since then, the viewpoint is closed and the complex, degrading.
Miramar Tower.València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Nou Mestalla Stadium.
València C.F. wanted a new stadium that would give the club a place among the world's greatest. The cost of €344 million would be financed by the residential developments to be built on the site of the current stadium. However, the crash of the property market obliterated the operation, and the construction was stopped in 2009. In order to finish the stadium, €100 more million are needed, but the club has not the money for it. The club is currently being investigated by the European Union over alledged irregular public funding.
Nou Mestalla Stadium.València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Gandía County Hospital.
Gandía, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
The foundation stone was laid in 2007 just before regional elections, and the hospital should have been put into operation two years later, but nothing went according to the plan. In 2012, the works were stopped, and they were not resumed until more than a year later, with the objective of finishing them before the local and regional elections of 2015, which was accomplished, although the hospital is only partially functional. The final cost of €89 million means a cost overrun of 50% above the initial budget.
Gandía County Hospital.Gandía, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Commercial Park "Gandía Sur".
Complex of 16 commercial spaces finished in 2009, but that are still empty six years later. It is not unusual that prostitution takes place in the parking lot.
Commercial Park "Gandía Sur".Gandía, València, Comunitat Valenciana.
Culture and Convention Center.
At a cost of 42 million euros, this 43,000 m² gigantic building was supposed to make Benidorm the cultural reference of the region. Now that the constructing fever is gone, a member of the City Council who belongs to the party behind the project admits that "for the cultural activity generated in Benidorm, the Town Hall Theater is enough."
Culture and Convention Center.Benidorm, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
Mutxamel Desalination plant.
Mutxamel, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
It should have been put into operation in 2009, but the distribution network is still not finished. If it is not up and running before the end of 2015, the money received from European funds will have to be returned. Total budget: €93 million.
Mutxamel Desalination plant.Mutxamel, Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
Indoor Swimming Pools.
This complex, financed through €3.2 million from the "Plan E", is closed since it was finished in 2011. The City says that it cannot afford its maintenance costs, and up to now there has not been any company interested in taking over the concession.
Indoor Swimming Pools.Alacant, Comunitat Valenciana.
Industrial park "Los Lucas".
Abarán, Murcia.
When it was presented in 2006, "Los Lucas" was meant to be the new economic motor of Abarán. Today it is a 468,000 m² surface covered by weeds and unfinished industrial premises, plus the empty shell 16-floor building.
Industrial park "Los Lucas".Abarán, Murcia.
"Las Salinas" Industrial Park.
Despite that the crisis shut down a great number of companies operating in the park, the public management company decided in 2011 to invest €2 million in its enlargement. The investment proved fruitless, and the streets remain deserted.
"Las Salinas" Industrial Park.Alhama de Murcia, Murcia.
Paleontological and Human Evolution Museum.
Torre Pacheco, Murcia.
The museum wanted to offer a "time-travel" in order to meet and study the first settlers of Murcia, but the construction was paralyzed in 2013 and so remain until today. Budget: €8 million.
Paleontological and Human Evolution Museum.Torre Pacheco, Murcia.
Campo de Dalías Desalination plant.
Balerma, Almería, Andalucía.
The construction of this plant began in 2008 and it should have been put into operation two years later, but it did not go as planned. In 2012 the construction works were stopped for over a year, and today the plant is not finished. If it is not up and running before the end of 2015, the money received from European funds will have to be returned. Total budget: €145 million.
Campo de Dalías Desalination plant.Balerma, Almería, Andalucía.
"Negocity" Industrial Park.
It opened in 2007 with the expectation of hosting 200 companies. Eight years later, there are only five.
"Negocity" Industrial Park.Antequera, Málaga, Andalucía.
Fair and Exhibition Center.
Its construction started in 2008, with a €10 million budget financed by the local and regional authorities. Seven years later, €14 million have already been spent, and around 10 more are needed it to finish it.
Fair and Exhibition Center.Antequera, Málaga, Andalucía.
"Nuevo Jaén" Industrial Park.
In order to dynamize the local economy, the City invested €18 million in the construction of this park, but eight years after its opening there is barely any activity at all.
"Nuevo Jaén" Industrial Park.Jaén, Andalucía.
Aquatic (or Adventure) Park.
With a capacity for 3,000 people, this park was going to be the urban beach of Jaén. However, when the €8.6 million from the central government's "Plan E" ran out, €5 million more were needed in order to finish it. Then, the new City Council transformed the project into an adventure park instead, because it "only" needed an additional investment of €2.4 million. Finally, neither one nor the other.
Aquatic (or Adventure) Park.Jaén, Andalucía.
International Museum of Iberian Art.
This had to be the space in which to display the rich Iberian history of Jaén. With a total budget of €33 million (co-financed by the European Union), the museum should have opened in 2012 but instead, the works were stopped. Ahead of this election year, after over two years of vain promises, the works resumed resumed in 2014. It is difficult to say with certainty when they will be fulfilled.
International Museum of Iberian Art.Jaén, Andalucía.
Health Center.
The construction of this €9 million center was stopped in 2012, the year it should have opened. Two years later, after neighborhood mobilizations and with local and regional elections around the corner, the works were resumed. The authorities have promised that it will open in summer 2015.
Health Center.Jaén, Andalucía.
Visitor Center.
This building had under the same roof place for a leisure center, a museum and a convention center. From here there are excellent views of the ghost airport, but no one is here to appreciate them, because it is also closed. Cost: €3.5 million.
Visitor Center.Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Expansion of the industrial park "Pozo Hondo".
Campo de Criptana, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
When it was inaugurated in 2010, these over 270,000 m² of industrial land were to harbor more than 200 new companies that would bring new economic life into the village. Five years later, only a few companies have established themselves here. Cost: €16.5 million.
Expansion of the industrial park "Pozo Hondo".Campo de Criptana, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Industrial Park "Pedro Muñoz".
Pedro Muñoz, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
The €15 million industrial park in this small village of 8,000 inhabitants has a capacity for 115 companies, but five years after its opening not a single company has moved in here yet. In Castilla-La Mancha, the central government has invested €56 million in another four industrial parks that are in the same situation.
Industrial Park "Pedro Muñoz".Pedro Muñoz, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha.
Multifunctional Space "Bosque de Acero".
It was said during its opening in 2010 that "this impressing building of glass and steel will, from now on, increase the range of cultural and leisure activities of the city". However, two years later the mayor was still "giving thought" to what to do with it, and it seems that he has not mad up his mind, because during all these years it has barely been used. Cost: €7.7 million.
Multifunctional Space "Bosque de Acero".Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Nursing Home for the Elderly.
Cañete, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
After an investment of more than €4 million, the nursing home was finished in 2010, but could not open because there was no budget for the equipment. Since then, it remains closed. The numerous acts of vandalism it suffers accelerate its deterioration. Two nearby villages have also this exact same problem.
Nursing Home for the Elderly.Cañete, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Theater and Concert Hall.
Torredembarra, Tarragona, Catalunya.
With a budget of €2 million, it should have been opened in 2009. The construction was stopped in 2010, after having spent €4 million. If it is not opened by the end of 2015, the City will have to return a subsidy fo almost €1 million. In order to avoid that, the plan is to condition the lobby, and put a moving stage so it is possible to have small-format productions or us it as exhibition hall.
Theater and Concert Hall.Torredembarra, Tarragona, Catalunya.
"Los Lindazos" Industrial Park.
Aniñón, Zaragoza, Aragón.
The thirteen plots of this park remain empty since it was finished in 2008. In order to justify the €1 million spent on its construction, the mayor says: "if the village next door has one, I do not want to be any less".
"Los Lindazos" Industrial Park.Aniñón, Zaragoza, Aragón.
Mularroya Reservoir.
La Almunia de Doña Godina, Zaragoza, Aragón.
Despite that environmental organizations early claimed that the reservoir would affect negatively a large protected area in Mularroya, the construction started anyway in 2008. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) was revoked in 2009, but the construction continued until 2013, when the Spanish Supreme Court stopped the construction, and so it remains since then. In order to bypass the need of an EIA, the Spanish government declared the reservoir object of prime public interest, which might enable the construction to be resumed if compensatory measures are taken. However, the legal battle is not over as the environmentalists claim that this procedure can only be invoked under extraordinary circumstances, which is not the case here. Cost: €128 million plus overrun.
Mularroya Reservoir.La Almunia de Doña Godina, Zaragoza, Aragón.
"Entreviñas" Industrial Park.
Cariñena, Zaragoza, Aragón.
Seven years after its opening, only one company has established itself in this park, on which the City spent €12 million.
"Entreviñas" Industrial Park.Cariñena, Zaragoza, Aragón.
Lechago Reservoir.
Lechago, Teruel, Aragón.
Finished in 2009, it still is on the test filling phase. The farmers theoretically benefited by the reservoir have already said that they cannot afford the water. There is a high risk that the €60 million invested in its construction are never recovered. Now, a group of local entrepreneurs want the authorities to invest €18 million in order to transform the reservoir into a tourism complex.
Lechago Reservoir.Lechago, Teruel, Aragón.
Valcorba Industrial Park.
Despite that a report established the lack of economical viability of this park, a group of investors started its construction in 2007. When four years later the project was about to collapse, the state-owned SEPES injected €17 million to save it. After an additional investment of around €4 million by the local authorities, the occupancy rate does not even reach 5%, and still lacks regular water and electricity services.
Valcorba Industrial Park.Soria, Castilla y León.
The City of the Environment.
Garray, Soria, Castilla y León.
In order to prevent the project from being appealed by environmentalists, the regional government passed a special law to approve the construction of The City of the Environment. With sustainability as its leitmotif, the project comprised a technology park for 100 companies in the environmental sector, an industrial park focused on environmentally friendly activities, a convention center for 30,000 visitors/year, a hotel, a sports center, an archaeological site, a public river park, and 780 sustainable houses. In the parking lot, each of the 709 parking spaces would be equipped with charging points for electric vehicles (while in 2012, in the whole of Spain, only 484 electric cars were sold). When the works were stopped in 2013 due to financing problems, 52 million euros of public money had already been spent here. Its future has been compromised even more after the Spanish Constitutional Court ruled unconstitutional the law by which it was approved. In 2014, a court ruling stated that the complex was to be demolished, and the landscape restituted. Because the irony of it all is that the complex was built on virgin land that was "especially protected".
The City of the Environment.Garray, Soria, Castilla y León.
"El Recuenco" Industrial Park.
Calahorra, La Rioja.
After an investment of €50 million, this one million m² park is basically finished since 2011, but it cannot be opened because the road access has not been built. However, the mayor of Calahorra is not worried because there has not been any "avalanche of requests" by companies to move in here.
"El Recuenco" Industrial Park.Calahorra, La Rioja.
"La Senda" Industrial Park.
Alfaro, La Rioja.
It opened in 2011 after an investment of €25 million with the aim of attracting more than 150 companies. Four years later, there is only one company established here.
"La Senda" Industrial Park.Alfaro, La Rioja.
"La Rondina" Industrial Park.
Urduña, Bizkaia, Euskadi.
This park opened in 2009 after an investment of €12 million. Two years later, an additional €5 million were invested in building the Business Center. Today, still not a single company has moved in, and in the Business Center there is very little activity.
"La Rondina" Industrial Park.Urduña, Bizkaia, Euskadi.
Laredo, Cantabria.
Four years after its opening, the occupancy rate of this 90 million euros marina is barely over 10%. Half of the investment is public money, and the cost for the taxpayers could increase if the regional government has to take over the debt of the bankrupt concessionary company, and the cost overrun of €28 million.
Marina.Laredo, Cantabria.
Aranda Bullring.
In 2003 the City Council sold for a suspiciously low price the bullring's plot to a local entrepreneur with property interests in the adjacent plots. The entrepreneur agreed to build a new, covered bullring with top modern equipment, but that would remain his property. In 2004 the bullring is opened, but a long list of defects prevent it from obtaining a permanent activity license Since then it has only obtained provisory licenses in order to be able to celebrate the annual bullfighting festival, the rest of the time (with very few exceptions) has been closed.
Aranda Bullring.Aranda de Duero, Burgos, Castilla y León.
"Tuduero" Industrial Park.
Tudela de Duero, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
Everything seemed to go all right for what was going to be the largest private industrial park of the region. When it opened in 2007 the promoters claimed that 50% of the plots were already sold and that 1,500 jobs would be created thanks to the project. Eight years later, there is only one company established here, and several empty industrial units.
"Tuduero" Industrial Park.Tudela de Duero, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
"Meseta Ski" Leisure Complex.
Tordesillas, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
In 2006, someone in the County Council of Valladolid had the idea that 40,000 people would be interested in traveling to the Castilian plateau in order to ski on plastic, and decided to invest €10 million in this complex. The environmentalists appealed the project because it flagrantly violated the Forestry Act, beginning a long legal battle that, eight years and thirteen unfavorable rulings later, compels the City Council to dismantle 60% of the complex and to restitute the landscape.
"Meseta Ski" Leisure Complex.Tordesillas, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
Bobes Industrial Park.
Siero, Asturias.
After an investment of more than €100 million, this park was to become the one of reference in the region, but after the construction works were stopped in 2012, the only thing left is a one million m² quagmire of mud.
Bobes Industrial Park.Siero, Asturias.
Area of Logistics and Industrial Activities of Asturias.
With four million m² and a budget of €150 million, it was going to be the most important industrial area in northwest Spain. The civil works of the first phase (one million m²) finished in 2013, but companies cannot move in because the area lacks proper road connections and a reliable power supply. Only one of the 60 plots has been sold, which is jeopardizes its viability, because from 2015 the public management company has to repay a loan of €90 million, and it has no income to be able to do it.
Area of Logistics and Industrial Activities of Asturias.Gijón, Asturias.
The City of Culture.
Like a pharaoh planned his pyramid, the former long-time regional president Manuel Fraga envisioned this gigantic cultural complex as his legacy. The actual contents, however, were never a matter of deeper thought. The complex did not have a strategic plan until two years after its inauguration, and one of the buildings changed purpose six times over the years. The original budget was €108 million, but it rapidly escalated, reaching finally around €300 million, and it could have been even more if the last two buildings out of six had been constructed. This enormous cost overrun has drained the cultural budget of Galicia. In 2015, around 16% of the culture budget of the regional government is spent here, but during the construction period, it reached over 30%. The new National Library of Galicia is a good example of that, built with a capacity for 1 million books, it displays embarrassingly empty shelfs, while local library branches cannot afford buying new books.
The City of Culture.Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Galicia.
Enlargement of the Nursing Home.
O Carballiño, Ourense, Galicia.
The construction works were finished in 2010 after an investment of 6.5 million, but there is no budget to cover its running costs, so its over 100 beds are still empty.
Enlargement of the Nursing Home.O Carballiño, Ourense, Galicia.
"Porto do Molle" Industrial Park.
Nigrán, Pontevedra, Galicia.
One million m² of industrial land and a €105 million investment, but three years after its opening, the occupancy rate does not even reach 25%.
"Porto do Molle" Industrial Park.Nigrán, Pontevedra, Galicia.
Logistics and Industrial Platform "PLISAN".
Salvaterra do Miño, Pontevedra, Galicia.
It was aimed to be the largest logistics platform in northwest Spain, and it would generate 10,000 jobs. But the construction has been standing still for six years, leaving just a four million m² quagmire of mud in which more than €100 million of public money have been invested. But of course, the highway connection to the grounds, financed with EU-funds, is already finished.
Logistics and Industrial Platform "PLISAN".Salvaterra do Miño, Pontevedra, Galicia.
Day Center.
Porqueira, Ourense, Galicia.
A day center was supposed to be built, but €350,000 later, there is only a metallic roof under which the village's brush cutters are parked.
Day Center.Porqueira, Ourense, Galicia.
New Hospital.
The construction began in 2008 with a budget of €165 million and should have been finished after six years. In 2014, after having been stopped several times, the works were resumed again, although it is difficult to figure out if it will really be finished in 2019 as the authorities have promised, or if it is just an act ahead of election year.
New Hospital.Salamanca, Castilla y León.
Plasencia Convention Center.
Plasencia, Cáceres, Extremadura.
In Extremadura there are already three profoundly under-utilized convention centers. Despite this, the regional government initiated the construction of another three that still have not been finished. In this one, €21 million have so far been invested (co-financed with European funds). With a delay of five years, it is supposed to open during 2015, but there are no scheduled events yet.
Plasencia Convention Center.Plasencia, Cáceres, Extremadura.
Cáceres, Extremadura.
The construction of the first phase of the hospital began in 2006 with a budget of €47 million. When it was stopped in 2012, almost finished, already €59 million had been spent. In 2015, election year, there are an additional €15 million for finishing it. The budget for the second phase is not clear yet because of the modifications introduced to the original project in order to reduce the costs from the initially expected €85 million. If this time the promises are kept, the hospital will open in 2019, seven years later than first planned.
Hospital.Cáceres, Extremadura.
"Vía de la Plata" Industrial Park.
After a €20 million investment, and with a delay of two years, the Minister of Public Works and Transport said during its opening in 2014: "It will give the citizens of Mérida more and better services, it will generate economic activity and it will create jobs". It will hardly come true, since only two of the 125 available plots have been sold.
"Vía de la Plata" Industrial Park.Mérida, Badajoz, Extremadura.
"Vegas Altas" Convention center.
Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, Extremadura.
In Extremadura there are already three profoundly under-utilized convention centers. Despite this, the regional government initiated the construction of another three that still have not been finished. In this one, almost €14 million have so far been invested (co-financed with European funds). It was supposed to open in 2012, but there is still no opening date because, although the building is finished, there is no budget for furnishing it.
"Vegas Altas" Convention center.Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, Extremadura.
New Hospital of Toledo.
It was introduced as the largest hospital in Europe, and even thought it was not entirely true, its dimensions are impressive, as well as its budget of €362 million. In 2012, with two thirds of the works left, and after spending €100 million the construction was stopped in order to modify the project to make it cheaper. When the legal conflict with the constructor is resolved, €157 more millions are planned for finishing it, but there are no dates yet.
New Hospital of Toledo.Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha.
Commercial and Leisure Center "Opción".
The crisis increased the number of empty commercial spaces, and in over established areas (like the outskirts of Madrid), whole commercial centers, like this one, have been shut down.
Commercial and Leisure Center "Opción".Alcorcón, Madrid.
Alcorcon Arts' Creation Centre.
It was a beautiful idea, an investment of nearly €180 million in 66,000 m² dedicated to scenic arts and circus, but it was not realistic. In 2012, when the construction was 60% completed, the obstinate reality had its way and the works were stopped. Up to now €130 million have been spent on it, but the economic situation of the city render impossible its completion.
Alcorcon Arts' Creation Centre.Alcorcón, Madrid.
General Hospital.
Collado Villalba, Madrid.
It was finished in 2012 after several delays, but it remained closed for two years due to spending cuts. During this time, the concessionary has received €1 million a month to cover its maintenance. In november 2014, six months before local and regional elections, it finally opened.
General Hospital.Collado Villalba, Madrid.
Interpretation Center of the History and Nature of the River Manzanares.
Financed with more than €2 million from the "Plan E", it was finished in 2011. Since then it is closed due to "lack of budgetary availability".
Interpretation Center of the History and Nature of the River Manzanares.Madrid.
The Magic Box.
Opened in 2009, it was the jewel of the crown of Madrid's failed bids for the Olympic games in 2016 and 2020. Since then, it only hosts regularly a tennis tournament a year. Its initial budget was €140 million, but the final cost rocketed up to almost €300 million. Recently the City has assessed its value at €19 million.
The Magic Box.Madrid.
Cathedral of the New Technologies.
An old promise of former mayor Ruiz Gallardón, this innovation center is located in an old industrial plant. The renovation works finished in 2012, and it remains empty since then. Total cost: €35 million.
Cathedral of the New Technologies.Madrid.
"La Atalayuela" Industrial Park.
In 2007, the "City of Fashion", a space to concentrate companies from the textile industry, should have opened here. Eight years and almost €80 million later, the only thing here are street lamps, asphalt and weeds.
"La Atalayuela" Industrial Park.Madrid.
City of Justice.
It was planned to be a €500 million euros complex where 15 buildings designed by the world's greatest architects would integrate all elements of Madrid's judicial system. The construction was stopped in 2010 after a total investment of €329 million. The project was definitely cancelled in 2013, but right before the local and regional elections of 2015, it was relaunched in a different shape, however, the new regional administration has confirmed its cancellation.
City of Justice.Madrid.
Olympic Aquatic Center.
The Aquatic Center began to be built in 2004 for Madrid's first of three consecutive olympic bids (2012, 2016, and 2020). It should have been finished in 2006, but Madrid's olympic defeats slowed down the construction pace until the works completely stopped in 2010. Through the years, the budget has increased to 192 million euros, and now 93 million are needed in order to finish it. The City recently estimated its market value to be €23 million.
Olympic Aquatic Center.Madrid.
Velodrome "Palma Arena".
It is not only that its cost rocketed from the initially budgeted €48 million to the €110 actually spent. Due to construction defects, the track was not approved for international competition until four years after its opening. Its main use is as venue for concerts or shows. The investigation of the cost overrun has resulted in the indictment, among others, of Jaume Matas, Iñaki Urdangarín and the Infanta Cristina.
Velodrome "Palma Arena".Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears.
Convention Center and Hotel.
With the intention of diversifying the tourism market in Mallorca, the city of Palma began the construction of this 125 million euros convention center in 2008. When one of the private partners dropped out from the project in 2012, the construction works were stopped. During the subsequent two years, the authorities put up the complex for auction three times starting at €40.5 million, but no compliant bid was received. In 2014, the authorities resumed the works and during 2015 it has been put up for auction again.
Convention Center and Hotel.Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears.
"Ca'n Bauçà" building.
The City bought this building in 2004 for relocating part of its offices. But this never happened because it was discovered that it suffered from structural damage and needed to be renovated. After much delay and €2 million, the building is in shape to open the two first floors, something the City wants to do before the elections in 2015. To condition the other six floors would cost an additional €1 million.
"Ca'n Bauçà" building.Manacor, Illes Balears.
Old Stud Warehouse.
In 2009, the local and regional authorities agreed to build the headquarters of the Social Services Institute of Mallorca. But after a change of regional government, it was decided to change the purpose of the building and let instead a nursery school take over the ground floor. However, regulations require schools to be separate buildings, so the plans reverted to the original idea, but the building has been empty for three years after an investment of almost €3 million.
Old Stud Warehouse.Manacor, Illes Balears.
Ecomuseum.
Despite it was declared of "social interest" for its importance for the economic and touristic future of the county, it never opened to the public. Its multifunctional hall is being used now and then for social and cultural events. Total cost: more than €3 million.
Ecomuseum.Montuïri, Illes Balears.
Provincial Headquarters of the General Directorate for Traffic.
After having finished the new headquarters of the GDT, the constructor had to undertake the total renovation of the adjacent old building. But the constructor went bankrupt in 2011 and the works were stopped. In 2014, the area was cleaned up, but the renovation has not been carried out, so the public still has to use a provisory ramp in order to enter the new building.
Provincial Headquarters of the General Directorate for Traffic.Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears.
"La Flora-Fou" Industrial Park.
Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Due to the €8 million spent on this park, the town is in financial difficulties because, since it is practically empty, it is not possible obtain any revenues from it. Maybe it is for the best, because the existing power grid has not the capacity to supply the necessary electricity to the park if it was full.
"La Flora-Fou" Industrial Park.Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona, Catalunya.
Complex of the Expo 2008.
Zaragoza, Aragón.
This international exhibition was prepared like everything was back in that time: BIG. Iconic architects designed buildings that would become a legacy for the future generations. The four most emblematic buildings and the cable car had a cost of €185 million, but they remain empty and unused One of the themes of the Expo was sustainable development; someone did not do his homework.
Complex of the Expo 2008.Zaragoza, Aragón.
La Muela Bullring.
There was a time in which money was not an issue in La Muela. The income generated by the wind farm and from the construction developments seemed to be endless. The residents could travel with subsidized tickets to the Caribbean, and more than €30 million were spent on building a sports center, three museums, a concert hall and this bullring, opened by Julio Iglesias. But now these infrastructures languish unused and are a reminder that the party is over. In 2009 an urban corruption plot, involving the mayor and other town council members. was uncovered.
La Muela Bullring.La Muela, Zaragoza, Aragón.
Will it Continue?
High-Speed Rail Viaduct. Antequera-Granada line, under construction.
Archidona, Málaga, Andalucía.
Experts state that an average high-speed rail (HSR) corridor between two cities can be regarded as socially beneficial when it carries around 8 million yearly passengers. In Spain, not even the HSR corridor between Madrid and Barcelona reaches that figure, so the perspectives for the line between Antequera and Granada (serving a total population of only 280,000) are rather despairing. Its budget amounts to €1.2 billion, half of which is financed by the European Union. Furthermore, Antequera will be the only city besides Madrid and Barcelona in having two HSR-stations.
High-Speed Rail Viaduct. Antequera-Granada line, under construction.Archidona, Málaga, Andalucía.
Highway A-73 Burgos-Aguilar de Campoo.
Quintanilla de Vivar, Burgos, Castilla y León.
Despite that not even in the busiest stretch of road N-627 reaches the traffic volume considered necessary for its twinning, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport intends to spend €300 million in building the new highway.
Highway A-73 Burgos-Aguilar de Campoo.Quintanilla de Vivar, Burgos, Castilla y León.
High-Speed Rail Line Valladolid-Vitoria.
Cost-benefit analysis show that a HSR-corridor can be regarded as socially beneficial when it carries 8 million passengers a year. In the case of Valladolid, Burgos and Vitoria, it would mean that each inhabitant takes the high-speed train eleven times every year. The cost of the line is estimated to around €4.3 billion.
High-Speed Rail Line Valladolid-Vitoria.Cabezón de Pisuerga, Valladolid, Castilla y León.
Convention Center.
Despite already having a new and modern concert hall (opened in 2002), plans were made for a new convention center with twice the capacity of the existing one, and for a fair center of 20,000 m². After several years of delay, the construction began in 2011, and it is not expected to be finished before 2018. Total cost estimated: €85 million.
Convention Center.León, Castilla y León.
Plan of Mayacinas.
Mieres, Asturias.
Already in the midst of the crisis, the City Council planned for the construction of more than 1,000 new social housing apartments, but not even half of them have been built. In the finished promotions there are still many empty apartments, and the park that should have been built on this plot was also left on the drawing board.
Plan of Mayacinas.Mieres, Asturias.
High-Speed Rail Line Madrid-Galicia.
Otero de Bodas, Zamora, Castilla y León.
The oversize of the HSR-network is rarely as visible as in this corridor. With the aim of saving over €3.8 billion (half of the initial investment), the project was modified by lowering the maximum speeds, and introducing single-track stretches. However, it is not expected that these cutbacks will have a significant impact on the travel time, because there is not much traffic expected.
High-Speed Rail Line Madrid-Galicia.Otero de Bodas, Zamora, Castilla y León.
"Palacio del Cerezo en Flor del Valle del Jerte" Convention Center.
Cabrero, Cáceres, Extremadura.
In Extremadura there are already three profoundly under-utilized convention centers. Despite this, the regional government initiated the construction of another three that still have not been finished. The construction of this one began in 2010, when spending cuts were a hard fact for the Spanish society. Its budget was €2 million and was planned to be finished in 2011, but instead the works were stopped and remain still ever since.
"Palacio del Cerezo en Flor del Valle del Jerte" Convention Center.Cabrero, Cáceres, Extremadura.
Planned Site for Eurovegas.
In early 2011, Sheldon Adelson (CEO of Las Vegas Sands) announced his intention of building a "mini-Las Vegas" in Spain. He knew that with the prevailing economical situation, just the promise of 180,000 jobs would grant him a red carpet from any politician. For more than one year, he was in talks with Madrid and Barcelona to host the gaming complex, playing both cities against each other for the best deal. In September 2012 he finally decided for Madrid, where the regional president had said that she would "change any law that has to be changed" in order to take Eurovegas to Madrid. And she did indeed go a long way by, among other measures, lowering gaming taxes from 45% to 10%, or pressing the national government to lift the newly passed public-smoking ban. However, it was never clear how Adelson would raise the money for his megacasino, and when in December 2013 he decided to withdraw his plan, Spanish politicians where left with a castle in the air. Since then they have been trying to find a substitute, with no success.
Planned Site for Eurovegas.Alcorcón, Madrid.
"Valdebebas".
The constructors want to present this development as "a new way of making city", but the only thing that distinguishes it from other large-scale developments is that the construction began in the midst of the crisis. Up to now, around one third of the13,500 planned homes are already built, but there is only 10% of the expected 40,000 new residents, indicating an important percentage of empty homes. The new residents have moved into an empty neighborhood with no public facilities. A neighborhood in which it will be long before many of the promises made are delivered, if they ever are.
"Valdebebas".Madrid.
Development Plan.
In 2013, still in the midst of the crisis, the local authorities gave green light to the construction of a development on one of the last virgin areas of this densely built coastal area. There is a development of 100 abandoned houses less than 1 km away.
Development Plan.Manacor, Illes Balears.
Hotel Project.
In 2012, the regional government presented the this hotel, with more than 1,000 beds and a golf course, as the way to economic recovery. Having absolute majority in all instances, and declaring the project of "regional interest" ensured a fast beaurocratic process, but the modification of the Mallorcan Territorial Plan was appealed by the environmentalists, and the Superior Court of Justice ruled three times against it. The regional government took the case to the Supreme Court, that will take the final decision.
Hotel Project.Campos, Mallorca.
Andorra- La Seu d'Urgell Airport.
Ribera d'Urgellet, Lleida, Catalunya.
The regional government acquired this aerodrome in 2007 with plans of transforming it into a commercial airport with an investment of 12 million euros. However, no air traffic forecast has been performed. Due to the geographical characteristics of the airport, only small aircrafts of up to 40 passengers can land on it. The regional government estimates that 80% of the economic benefits of the airport will go to Andorra, even though the investment is solely Catalan. .
Andorra- La Seu d'Urgell Airport.Ribera d'Urgellet, Lleida, Catalunya.
"Paramount" Leisure Park.
Despite the crisis, Jesús Samper (a constructor indicted for urban corruption) started this project in 2010, and laid its foundational stone in 2012. However, although the construction has not begun due to lack of investors, it has received a subsidy of €16 million from the Spanish central government.
"Paramount" Leisure Park.Alhama de Murcia, Murcia.
Planned Site for BCN World.
After losing the bid for Eurovegas to Madrid, the Catalan government suddenly presented BCN World in an attempt to save face. Although it was a scaled-down version of Eurovegas, the regional government bowed down to the dazzling promises of 20,000 jobs and the potential investment of 4.5 billion euros, and promptly reformed the casino law, which will reduce gaming taxes by more than 80% and will make it possible to gamble on credit. Despite that the company behind the project dropped out, the Catalan government is desperately clinging to the project, and has granted permission for building up to 3,600 homes besides the complex.
Planned Site for BCN World.Salou, Tarragona, Catalunya.