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Bilbao to convert old water tower into pilgrim hostel
Bilbao is planning to convert the old water tower on Zabalbide Street into a modern pilgrim hostel.
As part of the plan, city authorities headed by Mayor of Bilbao Juan Mari Aburto approve the tender for the project, noting that the new hostel will be able to accommodate roughly 60 pilgrims.
It will have two dormitories with 30 beds each, total surface area of nearly 1,000 square metres, a garden of roughly 500 square metres and a garden terrace of more than 1,000 square metres.
The hostel is to be completed in 15 months after the competition process is wrapped up, with city authorities pointing out that the project is worth some EUR 3.2 million, of which 2.6 million will come from EU funds.
Aburto pointed out that the tender will be launched in the coming days and added “this project reinforces our commitment to the thousands of pilgrims who choose the route of the north on their way to Galician islands every year.”
“This infrastructure will provide added value and quality accommodation adapted to modern times,” he added and concluded that the new hostel will be built in line with sustainability standards.
City authorities pointed out that the hostel will boast charging stations for electric bicycles and scooters as well as indoor and outdoor vegetation and a water reuse system.
Bilbao concluded that the new buildings will be built in line with safety standards, offer universal accessibility and fire protection and evacuation routes.
