History of Olabeaga, Bilbao

• Olabeaga is a neighbourhood within Bilbao, located along an estuary following on from Abando-Ibarra, another area of Bilbao. Olabeaga was originally a merchant and port city primarily for the crews of large ships that were unable to reach the centre of Bilbao upriver.

• In 1876, the Expansion plan split Bilbao between the port and the residential areas. The port stretched from Olabeaga, making use of the established maritime neighbourhood, to Ripa. In 1878, work began to improve the Estuary and the inner port and throughout the decade various works were carried out in order to improve the port.

• Although Olabeaga was fit for its industrial purposes, it lacked space for growth and expansion, whilst having communication and transport issues. In the 1990's, economic restructuring and urban regeneration began, with industrial and port activities being suspended along the estuary in Olabeaga, now focusing on being a mainly residential neighbourhood.