91999E0868

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0868/99

by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 April 1999)

Subject: URBAN Initiative subsidies and municipal projects in Valencia

The Valencia City Council has voted to adopt a "Special Plan for the Protection and Internal Reconstruction" of the Cabanyal-Canyamelar district of Valencia, a former sea-side village which includes the extension of Blasco Ibánèz Avenue to the shore. The scheme involves dividing the district in two, and demolishing over 1500 private houses in a popular art-nouveau style. The whole district has been declared to be a Valencian Community historical site.

Does the Commission believe that the aid received by the Valencian City Council under the URBAN programme is compatible with a redevelopment plan so damaging to the urban fabric of one of Valencia's most outstanding and characterful districts?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 1999)

Under the programme "Urban-España" for 1994-1999, the Commission is part-financing in Valencia the project "Revitalizacion del barrio de Velluters" in the historical centre "Ciutat Vella". The aim of the project is the integrated development of the district via the implementation of measures to improve the infrastructure and the environment, develop the economic fabric and provide social and training facilities.

Information available to the Commission indicates that the urban plan referred to by the Honourable Member, "Plan especial de protection y reforma interior del barrio de Carbanyal-Canyamelar", is a quite different measure, in both its location and its content, from that concerned by the Urban project.