The Zaragoza City Council is going to present the «Gancho» project to the fourth call of the European Urban Initiative-Innovative Actions (EUI-IA), financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The initiative proposes to transform empty premises and buildings in the Historic Center into a network of spaces aimed at combating socio-labor vulnerability.
The proposal will focus on the surroundings of São Paulo and Zamoray-Pignatelli and contemplates a total investment of 2.36 million euros. The City Council is going to request European co-financing of 80%, equivalent to 1.8 million euros, while the remaining 20% will be contributed, at least, by the partners that make up the community grouping.
The name «Gancho» refers to the area in which the initiative will be developed and also works as an acronym of its English name: «Generating Active Networks for Community Hubs and Opportunities». The initiative will have the participation of public entities and third sector organizations, which will develop different projects in various locations in the neighborhood.
FIVE PREMISES AND ONE SIX-DWELLING BUILDING
The project is based on the comprehensive diagnosis prepared by Ebrópolis in December 2025. The study detected in this area of the Historic Center high levels of social vulnerability, structural unemployment, low economic activity and a significant number of underused premises that contribute to urban and social deterioration.
To address this situation, the City Council proposes to transform five empty premises belonging to Zaragoza Vivienda and a building of six flats into a network of active urban infrastructures. The model will connect itineraries of employment, creative economy, training and digital training with the aim of promoting socio-labor inclusion, culture and community cohesion. This has been highlighted by the Minister of Finance and European Funds, Blanca Solans.
PUBLIC AND THIRD-SECTOR ENTITIES
In the premises of Las Armas street, «Manos que integran» will be developed, a workshop promoted in collaboration with the Association of Artisans of Aragón. The space will host activities, exhibitions and courses related to the creative economy. On Calle Boggiero, 43, there will be a community space for musical training linked to the Municipal School of Music and Dance.
For its part, the Agustina Zaragoza Foundation will manage a social orientation center at Calle Mayoral, 14. There will be advice on dependency, social resources and available services, as well as accompaniment to carry out administrative procedures.
In addition, the project will also promote training and job placement. The San Ezequiel Moreno Foundation will develop the project «Sewing the social fabric». The initiative will consist of the implementation of a training and socio-labor insertion center.
The project also includes an autonomy pilot in a six-dwelling building located at Calle Armas, 72. TheZaragoza Down Syndrome Foundation will develop an initiative there with capacity for 15 people with disabilities and the support of a volunteer.
«This government team reaffirms its commitment to the Historic Centre, betting on social innovation, public-private collaboration and the use of European funds to build a more cohesive city full of opportunities», concluded Blanca Solans.
