Zorrotzaurre, the peninsula of the River of Bilbao, will be transformed into an island. This completely new district will be home to tall and modern buildings where innovative companies will stand side-by-side to residential buildings. Furthermore, part of the old factories that have occupied this place, rooted in the city's maritime past for many decades, will continue to play a role in this new urban plan.
The British-Iraki architect Zaha HADID has been commissioned with drafting the master plan for the urbanisation of this area, which covers a total of 838,781 m2, over 65% of which will be for public use. Although Zorrotzaurre will be mostly residential in nature, with 50% of the homes to be public housing, a minimum of 25% of the land surface is to be reserved for commercial use.
The decision to convert the peninsula into an island is motivated by the urgent need to prevent the danger of flooding. Hydraulic studies undertaken recommended widening the Deusto Canal to 75 metres, and that the flood height of the future island be raised to between +4.50 and +5.00 metres. Aside from housing, the master plan also calls for three bridges connecting the island to Deusto, San Ignacio and Zorrotza, and
since the navigability of the River must be safeguarded, they will need to be swing bridges. Still more bridges may be required in future, since top priority is being given to public transportation, particularly by extending the tramway from the Ensanche district, along with expanding Bilbao's network of pedestrian and cycle paths. Not only is Zorrotzaurre a major urban renewal undertaking, it is also a reflection of the innovative spirit being displayed in Bilbao's expansion.
Although some projects are still in the planning stage, others are quickly taking shape, of which three are to be noted: the IMQ building, designed by Carlos FERRATER, the new BBK-Savings Bank headquarters by Zaha HADID, and the future IDOM building.
Zorrotzaurre's skyline can already boast its first architectural landmark: the IMQ private health building will be home to the largest private health clinic in Euskadi. Occupying an area of 9,000 m2, the new centre will have room for 210 hospital beds, an Intensive Care Unit with 12 boxes and 10 intelligent operating theatres, and a car park for 340 vehicles.
Located on the Right bank of the Deusto Canal opposite the future island, the old Bonded Warehouse building in Elorrieta is the site of the new Bilbao headquarters of the engineering and architectural firm IDOM. Based on the foundation of sustainability and energy efficiency, this reconstruction features a unique green faรงade and a grass roof, a leisure room and library.