A group of investors in tourist apartments in Santander has altered their plans after facing resistance from residents in a building they intend to purchase. The initial proposal called for the total evacuation of tenants and/or owners from the building, but following public outcry, the company has softened its stance and is now offering better conditions for people to leave during renovations. The residents, including 89-year-old Conchita Mantilla, who has lived in the building for 60 years, feared being forced out by the new owners. However, the company has assured that there will be no pressure for residents to leave and that the building will not be converted into tourist apartments.
The process of acquiring the building has been described as sly by the residents, who gradually saw the number of occupants decrease due to various reasons. It was only later revealed that the owner intended to leave the building vacant in order to sell it as a whole to a potential buyer. With only nine residents left in the building, including Mantilla, the residents have expressed their concerns about the future of the building and their living situation. The company, Global Cuena, has urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that their rights will be respected and that those who stay will benefit from improvements.
A certified letter has been sent to reassure residents that there will be no pressure for them to leave the building and that no apartments will be designated for tourist use. However, sources present at initial meetings with the tenants claim that the company did initially propose using the building for tourist purposes. The rise in tourism in Santander in recent years, with a notable increase in foreign visitors, has led to an increase in demand for tourist accommodations in the area. The potential transformation of residential buildings into tourist apartments has raised concerns among long-term residents.
Despite assurances from the company, residents remain wary of potential disruptions that may occur during renovations, such as noise, water and electricity cuts, and interruptions to daily life. The prospect of the building being sold and renovated for tourist use raises fears among residents about the impact on their living conditions and the character of the neighborhood. The involvement of the local government in resolving the situation is yet to be determined, but legal sources close to the residents suspect that recent events, such as a fire on the property, may be related to the intention to sell the building.
Each resident in the building has a unique story, with some, like Blanca Hormazábal and her sister, facing uncertainty about their future due to their long-standing tenancy agreements. The residents have expressed concerns about the lack of concrete offers for alternative accommodations during the renovation process. Despite the initial shock and concerns about the potential conversion of the building into tourist apartments, residents have managed to resist changes thus far. The negotiations between the residents and the investors remain ongoing, with the outcome of the situation yet to be determined.
