HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-COMMUNITIES-02: Rural housing - Case Study in Galicia (Spain): Depopulation, Peripheralisation, and Housing for Vulnerable Groups

Case Study in Galicia (Spain) focusing on depopulation, peripheralisation, and housing for vulnerable groups

The University of A Coruña (UDC), in collaboration with the local government of Cotobade, proposes a case study/pilot project addressing the challenges of depopulation, peripheralisation, and the housing needs of vulnerable groups in Galicia, Spain.

This initiative is intended as a contribution to the HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-COMMUNITIES-02 topic and aims to explore innovative solutions to these pressing issues. UDC brings its scientific expertise to the project—particularly in the fields of architecture (with experience in New European Bauhaus (NEB) projects) and sociology.

Further details about the pilot project can be seen below:

Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation in the Case Study Area
Galicia (north-west Spain) is a region of high natural value, marked by numerous rural settlements and an aging population. Decades of rural-to-urban migration and shifting economic activities have weakened the role of the countryside while expanding urban peripheries. The municipality of Cerdedo-Cotobade is a perfect example, combining a denser area linked to the city of Pontevedra with a more dispersed, nature-connected rural zone.

Key Housing Challenges of the Case Study
The municipality of Cerdedo-Cotobade has a rich traditional housing, much of it currently abandoned. The local government is exploring possibilities for reuse, including retrofitting unoccupied public buildings into housing. There is strong interest in attracting young residents, supported by measures like exemption from housing construction taxes. However, the area still faces a significant demand for social housing and challenges in maintaining quality of life for older residents due to scattered services and low population density.

Relation to the Topic Call
The case study aligns with key themes of the project call: depopulation, peripheralisation, and housing for vulnerable groups. Its rural character, proximity to a regional hub, and mix of urban and natural environments offer a unique context. Challenges include a lack of affordable housing and the need to adapt housing types to current demographic and social needs. The case study would involve a wide rage of stakeholders who have already shown their interest in the initiative.

Do not hesitate to contact me to know more!