INTEGRAL REHABILITATION, SOCIAL POLICY OR VEHICLE FOR GENTRIFICATION IN THE SPANISH HISTORIC CENTRES? ANALYSIS OF THE ARI PLATERÍAS-CATEDRAL IN VALLADOLID (1997-2004)

Abstract

The Platerías-Catedral Integral Rehabilitation Area (ARI) of Valladolid (1997-2004) was part of a legal framework that sought to preserve the historic fabric, maintain social diversity, and relocate the resident population. However, its actions, by failing to control rental prices, have facilitated a process of real estate speculation. The development of the building and real estate sector in the area between 1960 and 2025 is analyzed, revealing that, although the ARI promoted generally heritage-friendly rehabilitations, its scope was very limited and it does not appear to have managed to maintain social diversity. The ARI's revaluation of public spaces and subsequent building interventions have raised housing prices to such extremes that they solidify the exclusion of the working classes from the historic center. This case highlights the urgent need to implement comprehensive policies to regulate access to housing in central urban areas.