In an interview with Canal 33 TV, the president councilor of Moratalaz, Nacho Pezuela, praised the district, calling it "one of the best" in Madrid. Pezuela highlighted the abundance of green spaces, the quality of its sports facilities, and the "human quality" of its residents, underscoring the positive transformation underway in this residential area of 96,000 inhabitants.
Pezuela described Moratalaz as a consolidated district, primarily developed in the 1960s and 70s, but currently undergoing a "very positive transformation". He mentioned the upcoming opening of the new SAMUR base and a new Madrid Salud center, assuring that the district possesses "practically" all necessary municipal facilities.
The councilor advocated for Moratalaz's "privileged location", close to the center of Madrid, yet retaining the "essence" of a residential area with "extraordinary" green spaces. He recalled the Cuña Verde de O'Donnell, a park spanning over 100 hectares, defining Moratalaz as "a green space" for the entire city.
He noted that Moratalaz has the oldest population in the city, with one-third of its residents over 65. However, he views this reality as a "positive value" due to the "life experience" and "desire to keep living" of its residents. Policies for the elderly are the "top priority", with a nearly 60% increase in home care and senior aid budgets in recent years. The three municipal senior centers, with around 20,000 members, offer workshops, gymnastics, and dance activities.
Regarding cleanliness, Pezuela stated that Moratalaz is the highest-rated district in Madrid for cleanliness and green space maintenance, according to municipal surveys. He emphasized the residents' responsibility, pointing out that it is the city's top district for "recycling".
Concerning security, he acknowledged concerns about violent incidents but asserted that Moratalaz is "periodically" the district with the lowest crime rate in Madrid. He congratulated the Municipal Police and the National Police for their work.
In sports, he expressed hope for the completion of the third phase of the new rugby field at Parque Forestal Fuente Carrantona in the next fiscal year, an investment of 3.3 million euros, with an expected launch by the end of 2027. The athletics track at the Moratalaz sports center is also undergoing renovation, scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
Other ongoing projects include the comprehensive renovation of the La Elipa pavilion. The district also boasts unique facilities such as an approved baseball field, Madrid's best indoor climbing wall, the city's only indoor handball court, mountain bowling facilities, and radio-controlled car tracks.
Regarding the Regenera Madrid plan, Pezuela explained the aim is to "urbanistically regenerate the area" to make it attractive to young families, with renovations already carried out in industrial zones and a forthcoming project in Pavones affecting approximately 6,000 residents.
In education, he acknowledged the "veteran" status of the district's public schools but assured continuous investment, allocating around 3 million euros in recent years for maintenance and technical inspections. He welcomed the "good news" that, "for the first time in decades", there is renewed demand for school places, preserving the district's essence as a place that offered opportunities.
The 'Muraltalaz' project brings urban art to the streets, with "commendable" work on municipal buildings. Soon, the El Torito cultural center, which receives 25,000 visitors annually, will undergo a complete renovation.
In terms of mobility, Moratalaz is served by ten bus lines and Metro Line 9. He highlighted the Community of Madrid's project for Line 11, which will improve the district's connectivity to the south, north, and the airport.
Finally, regarding district festivals, he hinted at a program catering to "all tastes and ages", featuring established national pop groups and offerings for young people. In his closing message, Pezuela stated that Moratalaz possesses "human quality", a "vocation for service", and "the best quality of life".
