«No tendría sentido que Córdoba creciera hacia el exterior mientras el centro histórico pierde población» — entrevista a María Dolores Jiménez (Construcor)

The interview titled “No tendría sentido que Córdoba creciera hacia el exterior mientras el centro histórico pierde población” was published by El Debate, a Spanish news outlet, and authored by Rafael González and Samira Ouf. It features María Dolores Jiménez, president of the Asociación de Empresarios de la Construcción e Infraestructuras de Córdoba (Construcor), discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector in Córdoba, Spain.

Jiménez, who has led Construcor since 2017, highlights chronic shortages of land for housing, a deficit of skilled professionals, and lengthy administrative procedures. She notes that more than a quarter of a home’s final price is attributable to taxes, fees and administrative costs, underscoring the sector’s high cost structure.

The interview reports a recent 72‑day strike by crane operators over a regional premium, which disrupted projects and delayed housing delivery. Despite the strike, Jiménez describes a cautiously optimistic outlook, driven by large investment projects, yet acknowledges persistent structural problems such as delayed urban planning and rising material costs.

A central concern is the lack of buildable land. Jiménez states that the sector has not produced new land or housing for many years, creating a “wound” that is slow to heal. She argues for better utilisation of existing expansion zones, increased building density where appropriate, and regeneration of historic districts to balance outward growth with inner‑city vitality.

More than 25 % of a dwelling’s price in Córdoba stems from taxes, licences, permits and other administrative charges. Jiménez stresses that developers act as de‑facto tax collectors, and that reducing these fiscal pressures is essential for affordable housing.

While artificial intelligence can accelerate project drafting, licensing processes remain slow. Jiménez calls for streamlined, coordinated procedures across municipal administrations to match the speed of technological advances.

Construcor represents around 90 companies, providing employment and contributing to the regional economy. Jiménez emphasises the sector’s role in creating jobs, supporting families, and fostering social cohesion, especially for young people and women entering construction.

Jiménez’s agenda for her new term includes:

• Advancing administrative simplification to speed up housing delivery.
• Improving land availability to meet growing demand without sprawl.
• Enhancing infrastructure, notably hydraulic works, to support sustainable development.
• Promoting a more inclusive construction workforce.

Jiménez aims to leave Construcor stronger, more united, and better positioned to influence policy on sustainable housing, administrative efficiency and infrastructure. She envisions a future where Córdoba can respond swiftly to housing needs while preserving its historic centre and promoting environmental sustainability.