“A dormitory town” they called it. A harsh label for Ensanche de Vallecas. But what does that really mean?
Ensanche de Vallecas a sprawling district in Madrid began its life in 1990. It was ambitious. A plan to combat Madrid’s ever-growing population. The Plan of Urban Action of Vallecas or PAU aimed to house 100000 people. Reality fell short.
Today only around 40000 people live here. The wide avenues feel empty. Large shopping centers loom. They overshadow smaller businesses. A nearby waste recycling plant adds to the problems. Residents complain of constant unpleasant odors. The city’s response is slow. Construction continues. More empty apartments stand ready.
Despite the initial vision of modern living Ensanche de Vallecas faced significant challenges. High crime rates plagued the empty buildings. Organized crime took hold. Drug use became prevalent. Parks became places of illicit trade. Newspapers reported on the difficulties. They highlighted the neighborhood’s struggles. Articles described the abandoned feel and the drug-related issues.
The name itself was a point of contention. A popular vote in 2016 saw two options La Gavia and Ensanche de Vallecas. The vote was invalid. Not enough people participated. The name Ensanche de Vallecas became official in 2017.
Yet despite these difficulties life goes on in Ensanche de Vallecas. People live here. They work here. They raise families here. The story of this district is complex. It’s a story of urban planning. It’s a story of dreams and disappointments. It’s a story of resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a story far more nuanced than simply a “dormitory town”. It’s the story of Ensanche de Vallecas and its ongoing transformation. A story still being written.