Fuengirola reveals initial plans for a new 91-million-euro marina

The proposal from the Berenguer Ingenieros firm says the port will take three years to build; the council is now preparing to deliver the plan to the regional government

There has been a step forward in the project for Fuengirola’s new marina. The council has now officially revealed the initial plan for this project, which has an estimated cost of around 91 million euros (plus IVA). The report with all these details has been drawn up over recent months by the Berenguer Ingenieros firm, and it estimates that the works will take three years, as the mayor, Ana Mula, explained at the presentation at the end of last week.

“The company that was awarded the contract to draw up the plan has provided us with this document, which contains an estimated cost, a financial study and even a possible timescale for the works,” she said.

She also explained that the council would now review the document prior to presenting it to the Junta de Andalucía.

Other authorities’ decisions

The mayor said the council has already applied for an appointment with the regional government to show the document before starting what she described as “the most complicated phase, which is obtaining decisions from the authorities involved, which are both regional and national”.

The basic plan is to transform the existing infrastructure into a marina which is open to the rest of the town, with the aim of boosting the local economy. It includes a large square which will connect directly to the seafront promenade and spacious areas to walk around, lined with shops and restaurants.

With regard to the number of berths, these will almost double from 471 to more than 800. A quay will also be built for large yachts, a special anchorage for cruise ships up to 160 metres in length and an underground car park with space for over 700 vehicles.

“So to sum up, there will be everything necessary for the new port to become the major economic motor and generator of employment in our town,” said Ana Mula.

Administrative procedures

The council aims to work through the necessary procedures so the construction work can begin as soon as possible.

“Before we can start to build we have to begin this process, which is the slowest and longest of all, and that is where we need not only the collaboration of the Junta de Andalucía, which we do have already, but also the collaboration and assistance of the State, which also has to participate in this project,” explained the mayor.

In stages

Mula said the construction could be carried out in different phases. “We are talking about a project initially valued at 91 million euros plus IVA, which is expected to take three years to complete, so we are not talking about an exaggerated timescale. This is very reasonable. Also, in principle, we believe that one phase can be carried out without affecting the other, so they can overlap. We will look into that further, once we have the construction project.”

Among the technical specifications to be considered when the project is put to tender are the length of the concession for the port, which has been set at 40 years and can be extended; that the maximum construction permitted within the port area should be no more than 30,000 square metres of roof; and that none of the buildings will be for residential use.

Source. Sur in English, October 2020