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Twelve years ago, on October 28, 2011, the Master Plan for the Recovery of the Cultural Heritage of Lorca was launched after two earthquakes shattered the community. Now, after more than a decade and with a budget of 75 million euros, practically all of the restoration work is complete.

 

On May 11, 2011, two major tremors measuring 4.5 and 5.1 on the Richter scale hit Lorca within the space of an hour and a half. Nine people died as masonry slid from the walls of modern buildings and cornicing fell from the top of modern apartment blocks, one building collapsing with the victims inside.

 

Extensive damage was also caused to the city’s numerous historical buildings and monuments.

 

The Master Plan was launched a few months later in conjunction with the Institute of Cultural Heritage, the General Directorate of Cultural Assets of the Region of Murcia, the City Council of Lorca and the Bishopric of Cartagena.

 

Since then, almost 100 monuments have been completely restored, Lorca mayor Fulgencio Gil Jódar confirmed this week. This work and investment, he said, "has not only recovered the damaged cultural heritage, but has returned it to a state that far exceeds that which it offered before the earthquakes, so it can be said that with this firm commitment from the regional government, hand in hand with the rest of the administrations and all of Lorca, the 'monumental Lorca' has been revalued."

 

The city is now immersed in a new Master Plan for the recovery and regeneration of the city's historic area, which has an investment of 31 million euros until 2030. This will mean the creation of up to 1,600 jobs, the rehabilitation of 800 homes, the enhancement of 17 historic buildings and the expansion of hotel availability with 130 new beds.

 

Finally, the 'Resurgence of the old city' plan was finalised earlier this week, which involves building 400 much-needed homes on hundreds of empty lots. Work on this project should begin in just over a year.

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca