Berga City Council plans an unprecedented investment of 3 million euros for the renovation of housing in the old town. This figure represents the largest allocation within the 12.5 million euro macro-project submitted for the new call of the Generalitat's Neighborhood Plan. The resolution of the call is expected in October.
If approved, the plan will be implemented between 2027 and 2030, with a total investment of 8.75 million from the Generalitat, 3.75 million from the City Council, and over 700,000 euros from other grants. The project's main focus is housing renewal, with a budget that has quadrupled compared to the initially planned 717,000 euros.
According to Urban Planning Councilor Aleix Serra, speaking to Aquí Berguedà, the regional government prioritizes renovation, and a municipal survey confirms that 90% of citizens consider the condition of old town housing to be poor or very poor, with renovation being the most voted measure to improve neighborhood life (76.2%).
The grants will be directed to private owners for renovation works, energy efficiency improvements, or accessibility. The project plans to distribute 200,000 euros in 2027, one million in 2028, one million in 2029, and 800,000 euros in 2030. In return, owners will be required to rent the renovated apartments at affordable prices or include them in a municipal rental pool.
One of the innovations is the possibility of intervening in properties owned by large holders even if the owner does not consent, particularly in so-called 'ghost houses,' buildings affected by speculative schemes. The goal is to have at least 50 renovated properties and 100 apartments incorporated into the public pool by 2031.
The City Council estimates that at least 20% of the 1,225 homes in the old town are vacant, based on a survey of 100 properties. To activate these homes, a municipal office is planned at number 1, Plaça Maragall, which will be responsible for the census, renovation proposals, and rental market management. This office will have a budget of 372,800 euros for staff and 656,495 euros for building renovation, scheduled for 2027-2028.
