The Spanish way to economic deconcentration: A process of several speeds

Abstract

In this chapter we describe how Spanish metropolitan areas still display a strong monocentric pattern, although familiar market processes of employment deconcentration are in play, frequently assisted by public policies and initiatives. Until recently, Spanish cities have undergone mainly residential deconcentration processes. The two case studies – Madrid and Valladolid – show that urban planning has encouraged this market-led process through built-up area reassessment techniques. During the 1990s, two main confluent variables played major parts: (1) the huge price increases of real estate in central areas; (2) the deliberate regional political decision to spread economic activities, even those traditionally linked to the city core such as offices, retail, and even public services. The land-use policy of regional governments and the development of new transport infrastructures contribute to a gradual erosion of the existing monocentric spatial structure