Resurgent Cities: Local Strategies and Institutional Networks to Counteract Shrinkage in Avilés (Spain)

Avilés is a medium-sized city in Asturias, the Spanish region hardest hit by industrial crisis since the 1970s. The crisis of the state-owned iron and steel works and subsequent restructuring caused significant job losses, demographic decline and social tension. Since the 1990s, the Spanish Government, with regional and local governments and other local stakeholders, has been involved in new forms of urban governance focused on finding alternatives to shrinkage and a new model of urban development. This model recognizes several strategic aims: to (i) restructure and privatize the state-owned iron and steel works and attract new multinationals, (ii) promote a new economy based on innovation and culture using flagship urban projects, and (iii) improve the urban environment with rehabilitation of the historic centre, environmental restoration of the estuary and recuperation of wasteland for a new business park. This paper focuses on the influence of local actors, resources and networks on impulse regeneration strategies, analysing statistical information and data obtained from interviews with agents involved in urban development, combined with a selection of the major initiatives implemented. In brief, it discusses the transition to the resurgence of Avilés, including some of the uncertainties and future challenges identified, which are highlighted in the conclusion.