Jerez undergoes regeneration

An ambitious development aimed at re-generating an ancient Spanish city is using the traditions associated with flamenco dancing to make it a sought after global destination.

The genteel southern Spanish city of Jerez is known for its fortified wine but few people know it is the place where Flamenco was born.

It is the cradle and spiritual home of the gypsy-Andalucian art of flamenco and this is regarded by the Council of Jerez, in liaison with the Institute of Culture, as something that should not be lost.

Together they are building the area's most ambitious project; La Ciudad del Flamenco which will be designed by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron. It is envisaged as a city within a city. There will be a walled garden with individual buildings hosting the National Flamenco Auditorium, School of Superior Studies in Flamenco, Flamenco Arts Research, Documentation Centre and Flamenco Museum.

Of interest to property investors is a small intimate development of 17 apartments and penthouses with rooftop terraces and pool promising the best views of Jerez's Baroque Cathedral and other historic buildings. But the whole development is expected to raise prices in a little know area.

'Jerez is steeped in history with ancient walls but there are areas in need of repair and development which this project addresses,' said Chris Mercer, Director of Jerez property specialists Mercers.

He believes that the re-generation will help put Jerez on the wider tourist map and increase interest from the world wide base of Flamenco fans who already know of its existence.

'La Ciudad de Flamenco will be sited in Plaza Belén and serve the purpose of regenerating the San Mateo district which is equidistant between the two most important flamenco quarters in Jerez - Santiago and San Miguel. This cultural landmark will act as a magnet for tourists and also nudge up property prices in the immediate vicinity,' he predicted.

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