This pioneering initiative will introduce a new method for creating public housing in the city, significantly shortening timelines compared to new construction projects. The transformation is enabled by a modification in urban planning regulations, which permits the change of use from commercial spaces to residential units, provided technical requirements are met.
The three spaces, owned by the municipality and previously used for training programs at Mas Carandell, will be converted into four new flats. Three of these will be one-bedroom units, with usable areas ranging from 51 to 58 square meters, while the fourth home will feature three bedrooms and nearly 69 square meters.
The tender budget for the works amounts to 270,622.22 euros (VAT included), with an estimated execution period of four months. If projections hold true, construction could commence by the end of the year, with the first tenants expected to move in between April and May 2027.
“"We want to make the maximum possible number of affordable homes available to citizens because it is a priority need."
The Housing Councilor, Anabel Martínez, emphasized the current administration's priority to provide more affordable housing. Meanwhile, the mayor of Reus, Sandra Guaita, highlighted the city's shortage of space and how this approach leverages disused commercial premises to meet citizen needs.
Both Guaita and Martínez noted that rehabilitating commercial spaces or acquiring properties through pre-emption rights expedites the expansion of the public housing stock. However, the city council will continue to pursue all available avenues to increase affordable housing, including projects at the Complex Riera, Mas Iglésias, the Pich Aguilera area, Carrilet avenue, and the streets of Vilafortuny and Ball de Diables, as part of the Generalitat's Plan 50,000.
