A conflict has erupted in Aluche, one of Madrid’s most densely populated neighborhoods, following a decision by city authorities. The city council announced plans to build a senior center directly on the school grounds of Amadeo Vives. This has sparked outrage among parents, students, and seniors, who have long campaigned for such a facility—but not at the expense of the children’s playground.
Local residents acknowledge there is a real need for a nursing home. However, the chosen location is raising concerns. Just a few minutes’ walk down the same street, there is an empty lot that was previously considered for the senior center. In fact, the Latina district administration has repeatedly supported building it there, voting in favor of that site four times in recent years.
Residents’ dissatisfaction
Tensions rose further when it emerged that the alternative lot, once designated for the nursing home, will now be used for a residential complex with a swimming pool. Apartments there are already listed for sale at over half a million euros. Despite this, part of the land remains municipal property, and locals are convinced it could still accommodate the much-needed senior facility.
Rubén González, a representative of the school’s parents’ committee, emphasizes that no one is against a senior center, but not at the expense of the children’s interests. According to him, both parents and seniors agree that the location chosen by the city council is a mistake. Last weekend, a large protest took place in the neighborhood, uniting both parents and elderly residents. The slogan “A center for seniors— not at the children’s expense” brought all the participants together.
Arguments from both sides
Ana del Rincón, activist and president of the Aluche neighbors’ association, notes that she has been advocating for years for the construction of a care home and a day center at the site located at Camarena 277. She recalls that authorities have repeatedly promised to carry out the project at that location — and even made official decisions in 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024. Now, in her view, developers’ interests have taken precedence over the needs of residents.
City officials explain their decision by saying that technical services evaluated both options and concluded that both sites are technically suitable for construction. However, according to the administration, the alternative site can only accommodate one facility — either the care home or the day center, but not both. Therefore, in order to implement both projects, they had to choose the school yard.
Community response
Residents of the neighborhood find these explanations unconvincing. More than a hundred organizations—from trade unions to parents’ committees and political parties—have signed a collective appeal demanding a review of the decision. They emphasize that depriving children of their only large courtyard is unacceptable, especially when alternative spaces are too small for sports and extracurricular activities.
The schoolyard in question does not officially belong to the educational institution, but has been used by the school for nearly four decades. Access to the sports grounds is only possible through the school’s territory. The school has two other courtyards, but they are much smaller. Parents fear that after the construction, children will no longer have the opportunity to play sports or participate in extracurricular activities, and will have to take turns going outside during breaks due to lack of space.
The future in doubt
Many residents of Aluche fear that the public part of the alternative site will eventually be developed for commercial purposes, such as sports facilities for new residents. This increases distrust toward the city hall’s decisions. Parents and pensioners continue to insist that the interests of children and the elderly should not be at odds, and demand a compromise that will work for everyone.
