The mayor of Teruel reviews the major urban, cultural, and social projects that are transforming the city
The city of Teruel is undergoing a complete transformation. New urban projects, improvements in mobility, cultural and sports facilities, and an increasingly accessible and modern historic center are shaping the future of the capital of Teruel. We spoke with Emma Buj, mayor of Teruel, about the major challenges and opportunities that are shaping the present and future of a city that continues to grow.
With a population that now exceeds 37,000, Teruel is steadily advancing toward a model of a modern, sustainable city with a high quality of life. Housing, infrastructure, culture, and tourism are the City Council’s major commitments to continue consolidating this growth and making Teruel a benchmark in inland Spain.
The agreement for the construction of almost a thousand homes in Las Viñas has just been approved, with 40% social housing, green areas, and spaces for facilities and services. What does this project mean for the present and future of the city?
This project for almost a thousand homes in the Las Viñas area means that all the people of Teruel can rest assured that the supply of housing will be guaranteed for the next ten years. It is a project for the immediate future, not for today, because although the agreement has just been approved in plenary session, its development is only just beginning and it will take some time before we see the first homes. But it does guarantee that Teruel will have a secure supply of housing for a decade.
How important is this project for consolidating the growth of Teruel, which now has over 37,000 inhabitants, a historic figure for the city?
Since I became mayor, I have always looked at the population figures, because they are the best indicator of the city’s progress. We now have over 37,000 inhabitants, a historic figure, and we are going to continue growing. We have very important projects at the airport, new companies that are going to set up in Platea, hotels are opening… Teruel is growing and needs more housing. In addition, we are improving the city, because this area will enhance one of the main entrances, the Alcañiz road, which will be modernized with green areas and different types of housing, both high-rise and single-family. In short, we are creating a more orderly, more modern city that is better prepared for the future.
“The project for almost a thousand homes in Las Viñas guarantees the supply of housing in Teruel for the next ten years.”
The pedestrianization of the historic center is progressing rapidly. What are the benefits for local businesses, tourism, and the quality of life of residents?
All cities in Spain with historic centers have pedestrianized them. There are no known cases of this process being reversed, and the benefits are undeniable. The result is a more pleasant city that is more attractive to both Teruel residents and visitors. Just look at Tozal, one of the first pedestrian streets, which is now one of the most commercial. It is true that changing habits is difficult. We Teruel residents like to drive through the center “to see what the atmosphere is like,” but this change in mentality will bring about a noticeable improvement in quality of life. We are removing traffic from historic streets, gaining space for people, and modernizing the image of the heart of Teruel. In the end, we will all see that it was worth it.
The Historic Center Action Plan is committed to a more accessible, green, and modern city. What actions would you highlight?
One of the most important actions is the elevator that connects the historic center with the Carmen neighborhood. It will be a turning point because it will greatly improve the lives of residents. But it also connects the center with the banks of the Turia River, with all that green recreational area, and modernizes urban mobility. We have also secured European funding to move forward with the renovation of the area around Plaza de la Marquesa, Plaza Bombardera, and the walled area, which still does not look as it should. Thanks to these funds, we will be able to improve it and incorporate more vegetation, a pending issue in the historic center.
“Teruel now has over 37,000 inhabitants and continues to grow thanks to employment, new businesses, and the arrival of more families.”
The Carmen elevator is nearing completion. What will this mean for residents’ mobility?
Teruel has a complicated terrain, with a significant difference in height between neighborhoods. This will be the third urban elevator, after the Óvalo and San Julián elevators, and we have seen that these elements greatly improve mobility. They allow you to move from one neighborhood to another in seconds. Our intention is to continue along these lines, and the next project will be to connect the Ensanche with San Julián, a very active neighborhood thanks to the conservatory and the cultural center.
What is the status of this future mechanical access between the Ensanche and San Julián?
These are long-term projects, and we work in an orderly manner. We said that when the Carmen elevator was nearing completion, we would start on the next one. The first step will be to commission a study to determine the best technical option: elevator, funicular, or another system. We want to analyze several proposals, present them to the residents and Heritage, discuss them, and decide together which is the most appropriate. Once chosen, we will develop the project and seek funding. It is the same process we followed with the Carmen elevator, and it has worked very well.
“I imagine a bigger, more modern Teruel, with a university and more opportunities for young people.”
The San León socio-cultural center opened a few weeks ago. What is your assessment?
Very positive. When a cultural center opens, it starts slowly, but quickly comes to life. The study room is used a lot, and there are already activities for seniors, dances, gymnastics… Although it is not yet operating at 100% capacity, it has been very well received. The residents of San León are delighted, and many people from other neighborhoods in Teruel also come here. It was a much-anticipated project, it has turned out very nicely, and it has become a new meeting place for the city.
The work on the Cuesta de los Gitanos is nearing completion. What improvements will it bring?
It was one of the most eagerly awaited projects. Cuesta de los Gitanos was a dirt road that residents began to use to access the La Paz industrial estate, and it ended up becoming a busy road, but without adequate conditions. Now we are transforming it into a safe urban road, with sidewalks and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. This will improve comfort, safety, and quality of life for residents in the area. It will also improve the connection between Teruel and Platea, speeding up travel to one of the busiest industrial areas.
The new heated swimming pool is also progressing at a good pace. What would you highlight about this project?
The current heated swimming pool dates back to the 1960s and is completely obsolete. This new facility will be a huge improvement: it will be accessible, modern, and much more pleasant. It has two large windows from which you can see the mountains while you swim, making it a spectacular space. In addition, it will be next to the Los Planos pavilion and the Exhibition Center, creating a true “sports city.” We want to concentrate facilities so that families can enjoy different sports in the same environment. Even part of the heated pool can be connected to the summer pool if necessary. It will be one of the most beloved projects for the people of Teruel.
The future auditorium is another major project. What role will it play?
We are starting to work on it. We have a clear plan: first the San Julián cultural center, then the San León cultural center, and now the auditorium. We have proven that we deliver on our promises. The auditorium will significantly improve the cultural offering. Today, there are events that cannot be held because the Teatro Marín theater cannot accommodate them. The new space will allow for large concerts and performances and will also be the ideal home for the Santa Cecilia Music Band, which is so large that it does not fit in the current theater.
“Teruel is experiencing a particularly sweet moment, with projects that guarantee a promising future.”
The sound system at the Exhibition Center is currently being upgraded. What opportunities does this open up for the city?
We want to check how the acoustics are when the work is finished. Building a new space is not the same as modifying an existing one. If the improvement works well, we will be able to hold more events and concerts in winter, when the cold makes it more difficult to schedule outdoor activities. If everything goes as we hope, we will increase the city’s cultural offering and attract more activities, which will also benefit commerce, hospitality, and social life in Teruel.
Looking to the future, how do you imagine Teruel when all these projects become a reality?
I imagine a city with a larger population, modern and with first-class cultural and sports facilities. A university city: today we have around 2,000 students, half of whom are from outside the city, and with new degrees such as Medicine, we will continue to grow. And, above all, a city with an enviable quality of life, close to nature, comfortable and with opportunities for our young people. Teruel is growing like never before, and this can be seen in the enthusiasm of its people.
For those reading this from outside the city, why should they visit Teruel?
Because Teruel is a gem of inland tourism. We are a World Heritage City thanks to our Mudejar art, but we also have modernism, the historic viaduct, the Lovers of Teruel, Dinópolis, and a privileged natural environment. We offer culture, nature, and gastronomy. Anyone who comes here will fall in love with this welcoming city.
And a final message?
That Teruel is currently experiencing a particularly sweet moment. We are growing, creating opportunities for young people, and building a modern city with a future. Teruel is stronger today than ever before.
