Overview of the Initiative
The article, published by Tribuna de Canarias, features Mauricio Aureli Roque, the municipal councillor responsible for Planning, Urban Development and Housing in Las Palmas. It outlines the city’s programme to convert eleven municipally owned parcels into up to 2 000 protected‑rent housing units. The plan is part of a broader strategy to increase affordable housing, combine new construction with extensive rehabilitation, and promote public‑private collaboration across the Canary Islands.
Scope and Potential Housing Output
The municipal council has re‑classified the eleven parcels, previously designated for public facilities, for protected housing. Technical estimates indicate that the sites could accommodate more than 1 800 units, with the potential to reach the 2 000‑unit target. Current construction activity already includes over 300 completed homes, with an additional 115 units ready to start, funded by municipal resources.
Funding and Financial Measures
Financing for the programme combines municipal funds, regional government contributions, and agreements with the Cabildo of Gran Canaria. Specific arrangements include a pact to fund 240 new homes and the Cabildo’s ongoing construction of 63 units. The municipality also benefits from tax deductions (IGIC, ITP) and local ICIO bonifications, with up to a 50 % reduction for protected‑rent projects, aimed at mitigating rising construction costs.
Public‑Private Partnerships and Collaborative Models
The council actively encourages public‑private partnerships (PPP). Initiatives such as the ORION Rental Socimi proposal aim to create long‑term affordable rental housing using RIC funds. Additionally, the collaborative housing model promoted by the Cohousing Semilla del Norte association blends private dwellings with shared communal spaces, supported by measures like land grants, tax exemptions, and specialised financing guarantees.
Rehabilitation and Urban Regeneration Efforts
Beyond new builds, the city prioritises the refurbishment of existing stock. Ongoing rehabilitation projects target neighbourhoods such as Sanz Orrio, Jinámar, Las Rehoyas and Tamaraceite, with more than 600 homes slated for renewal in the near term. The strategy stresses preserving residential fabric, improving energy efficiency, and integrating green corridors and public amenities.
Legislative and Procedural Enhancements
The recent enactment of Law 7/2026 (31 July) streamlines urban licensing processes, reducing procedural delays and enhancing legal certainty for developers. The municipality is adapting its administrative workflows to comply with this legislation, seeking to accelerate project delivery while maintaining regulatory standards.
Integrated Urban Planning for Sustainable Growth
The council’s vision emphasises a polycentric city model where new housing is accompanied by essential services, transport links, green spaces and cultural facilities. Projects such as the green corridor linking Tamaraceite and Ciudad Alta, and the refurbishment of cultural venues like the Jesús Arencibia centre, illustrate this holistic approach.
Outlook and Key Challenges
The principal challenge remains converting the earmarked municipal land into concrete housing projects. The council aims to progress each development phase—design, cost estimation, financing, tendering and construction—with rigour. Additional objectives include expanding the supply of protected‑rent homes, advancing rehabilitation, and securing a declaration of Las Palmas as a “tensioned residential market” to attract further support.