Zorrotzaurre project: what will the island look like and why will it transform Bilbao

If you want to understand what the new Zorrotzaurre project involves and what the island will look like in the coming years, you are in the right place. Zorrotzaurre is now one of Bilbao’s major urban transformation areas: a former industrial district set to become an innovative, sustainable new neighbourhood open to the river.

At ACCIONA, we are playing an active role in this new stage, bringing our expertise in contemporary architecture, landscaping, and interior design to create residential developments that meet today’s needs while anticipating how people will live in the city of the future.

From industrial peninsula to contemporary island: the new Zorrotzaurre

Historically, Zorrotzaurre has been closely linked to Bilbao’s industrial and port activity. For decades, it was an area of factories, warehouses, and logistics uses, separated from the city’s main residential and cultural hubs. The Zorrotzaurre project was created precisely to reverse this situation and recover the area as a livable, green, and well-connected urban environment.

The opening of the Deusto Canal, which turned Zorrotzaurre into an island, marks the starting point of this transformation. From there, an ambitious urban regeneration plan is being developed, combining:

• Quality housing, with new residential developments.
• Green areas and public spaces open to the river.
• Educational, cultural, and sports facilities.
• Areas for economic activity, innovation, and services.

The result will be a new neighborhood that completes the urban renewal Bilbao has experienced in recent decades, with a clear focus on sustainability, mixed uses, and people’s well-being.

What will Zorrotzaurre Island look like?

When you ask what Zorrotzaurre Island will look like, you are really asking what kind of city Bilbao wants to become in the future. Zorrotzaurre is planned as a vibrant neighborhood with its own identity, fully integrated into the urban fabric and everyday life of the city.

A new urban waterfront open to the river

One of the key features of the Zorrotzaurre project is the recovery of the riverfront as a public space. Pedestrian walkways, seating areas, cycle lanes and green spaces will be created, allowing people to enjoy the riverside like never before.

The idea is that residents and visitors will be able to walk, exercise, relax or simply enjoy the views from comfortable, accessible spaces that are well connected to the rest of Bilbao. This new urban waterfront will also act as a link between the different areas of the island, connecting residential zones, facilities, and areas of economic activity.

Sustainable mobility and strong connections with the city

The island will be connected through new bridges and walkways, making it easier to access by public transport, bicycle, or on foot. Sustainable mobility will be prioritized, with reduced through traffic and calmer, safer streets.

The aim is to make moving around Zorrotzaurre simple and pleasant, while ensuring that Bilbao city center and other neighborhoods are easy, quick, and efficient to reach. In this way, the island will not be an isolated enclave but a fully integrated part of the wider metropolitan area.

A mixed-use neighbourhood: housing, innovation and cultural life

Zorrotzaurre is not conceived solely as a residential neighborhood. The plan includes a balanced mix of uses, including:

• Homes with different layouts and characteristics.
• Spaces for companies, start-ups, and innovation projects, with a special focus on creative and technology sectors.
• Educational and university facilities, reinforcing Bilbao’s role as a knowledge city.
• Cultural, sports, and social centers serving both new residents and the wider city.

This mix of uses improves urban vitality and ensures that the island remains active at different times of day, avoiding the creation of single-purpose areas. At ACCIONA, we strongly believe in this diverse city model, where living, working, learning, and enjoying life are closely connected.

The benefits of Zorrotzaurre’s transformation for Bilbao

The Zorrotzaurre project will not only have an impact on those who live on the island, but on the city as a whole. The regeneration of this area offers multiple benefits.

Recovering a strategic urban area

Zorrotzaurre occupies a privileged position along the river. Transforming a former industrial area into a contemporary neighborhood means making the most of highly valuable land to provide new housing, services, and quality public spaces without the need to expand the city further into the outskirts.

Economic momentum and new opportunities

The arrival of new companies, innovation initiatives, and cultural activity will generate employment, energize the local economy, and strengthen Bilbao’s position as a creative and technological city. At the same time, the island’s mix of uses will diversify opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals from different sectors.

Quality of life and urban sustainability

Sustainability is one of the project’s key principles: more efficient buildings, more greenery, responsible water management, active mobility, and design that supports climate comfort. All of this contributes to a better quality of life for those who will live or work in Zorrotzaurre, while reinforcing Bilbao’s commitment to environmentally responsible urban development.

The role of architecture, landscape and interior design on the new island

In such a unique setting as Zorrotzaurre, architecture is not only about constructing buildings but also about creating well-being. At ACCIONA, we champion timeless design that is integrated into its context and centered on people.

Our approach to each project is based on:

• Carefully managing the relationship between the building and public space, creating smooth transitions between private and shared areas.
• Understanding landscaping as an art that connects people with nature and brings calm, shade, biodiversity, and beauty to everyday life.
• Designing interiors with natural light, flexible spaces, and real comfort in mind.

All of this is especially relevant in a transforming environment like the island, where each new residential development helps define the neighborhood's identity and way of life.

What Zorrotzaurre island will look like: a new way of living the city

Answering the question of what Zorrotzaurre Island will look like ultimately means imagining an urban future where innovation, nature, and connection with the city coexist in balance. Human-scale streets, accessible green areas, efficient buildings, and a diverse social and economic fabric will shape this new neighborhood.

In this context, ACCIONA is developing a new-build residential project in Zorrotzaurre that reflects our vision of residential architecture in an area with outstanding potential.

ACCIONA’s new residential project in Zorrotzaurre

As part of the Zorrotzaurre project, ACCIONA will develop a residential complex made up of two developments, with more than 260 free-market homes with 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms.

These homes are designed to suit different lifestyles and needs: from those looking for their first home in a new urban setting to families who value spacious, comfortable, and well-connected homes without giving up green areas and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Our project is located in Zorrotzaurre, one of Bilbao’s areas with the greatest potential, redefining the way people live in the city through:

• Contemporary architecture, with careful and timeless design.
• Spaces created for enjoyment, both inside the homes and in the communal areas.
• A setting that combines innovation, nature, and urban connection, making the most of the opportunities offered by the island.

At ACCIONA, we pay close attention to every detail: the orientation of the homes, natural light, energy efficiency, the relationship with the landscape, and the quality of the materials. Our aim is for each home not only to meet functional needs but also to bring well-being, calm, and enjoyment to everyday life.

Discover the new Zorrotzaurre with ACCIONA

Zorrotzaurre Island is set to become one of Bilbao’s most distinctive locations, and the Zorrotzaurre project will play a key role in shaping how people live in the city in the coming years. If you are interested in being part of this transformation and learning more about our upcoming residential development in the area, ACCIONA will be delighted to guide you.

We invite you to find out more about our new-build project in Zorrotzaurre and to contact us with any questions or to receive personalized advice. Together, we can help you find a home in one of Bilbao’s most dynamic, sustainable, and inspiring new urban hubs.