Bilbao, the Basque country

Programme Outline

00.00–01.00	A simple map of Europe locates Bilbao on Spain’s north coast. Dramatic panoramic views give a superb impression of the city and its river, the River Nervion, around which industrial activity has been focussed. Programme title appears.
01.00–02.20	Commentary points out how industrialisation prospered then declined, leaving terrible dereliction and pollution; dramatic shots show some of the remaining areas. Archive film and commentary explain the early twentieth century expansion of iron and steel, railways, shipbuilding and factories which made Bilbao a major industrial centre.
02.20–04.35	An interview with an elderly lady, Mari, points out that many people loved the awesome sight of the blast furnaces at work, and saw this industrial growth as something to be very proud of. Commentary and further interviews establish the dreadful effect on the river of uncontrolled dumping of waste. Footage of Bilbao La Vieja shows the dramatic effect of the next phase – decline, unemployment, the abandoning of many factories as iron ore reserves ran out and cheaper products from elsewhere replaced Bilbao’s goods. Schools, homes and many other aspects of the community still lack proper facilities.
04.35–06.00	Fatima Galan and her partner discuss social collapse in the neighbourhood. Prostitution, drugs, crime, AIDS. Commentary makes the point that the city stood no chance against European competition unless it completely upgraded economic and social conditions.
06.00–07.30	Fifteen years of intense regeneration are viewed through footage of the city and through interviews. The initial focus was on cleaning up the river, especially dealing with sewage.
07.30–10.00	The next stage was to remodel the riverside for imaginatively designed offices, shops and civic buildings like the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art. An interview with Maria Bidauretta from the museum makes the point that while it cost vast sums to build, it has made Bilbao quite a tourist attraction, and tourist spending benefits the whole community.
10.00–13.00	The increase in visitors and economic activity in the city has led to the need for transport solutions. Traffic congestion was terrible, but footage and interviews show how the new, cheap metro train service has transformed things. Above ground there is a train service and lots of other schemes, and an impressive new airport has been built.
13.00–15.00	All these improvements allow tourists to arrive in growing numbers. Footage and interviews show how the restaurants and food suppliers are responding.
15.00–17.00	Shots of the local harbour lead to discussion of the way the fishing fleet of Bilbao flourished on local stocks. The harbour has also recovered its shipping trade, and port expansion has become necessary downstream.
17.00–18.15	New jobs have been created in the port. An interview with Asier Uranga, forklift truck driver, expands on how his fortunes have improved, and those of his fellow workers.
18.15–20.00	Commentary and panoramic shots of the city restate that every aspect of its life and fabric is being renewed. Its bright future, despite competition from other transforming cities like Berlin, is assured.