Arona’s El Mojón Development Plan Promises Nearly 9,000 New Beds with Emphasis on Sustainable Growth
The Arona Town Council in Tenerife has reached a pivotal milestone by finalizing the Partial Plan for El Mojón, a project that has been in the works for over thirty years. This comprehensive development plan is set to reshape the landscape of the region, focusing on sustainable growth and quality tourism.
Comprehensive Overview of the Development Plan
This ambitious project spans nearly one million square meters and aims to introduce approximately 8,900 new beds, catering to both residential and tourist accommodations. The initiative is firmly rooted in the principles of gentle construction, which emphasizes low building density to foster a higher quality of tourism experience. By prioritizing sustainable practices, the plan seeks to create a harmonious balance between development and environmental preservation.
Javier Baute, the Councillor for Urban Development, has made it clear that the majority of the land involved in this project is privately owned. This places a significant responsibility on landowners to comply with the approved planning guidelines. The overarching goal is to avoid overcrowded developments, ensuring that the building density remains significantly lower than what is typically allowed in similar projects.
Infrastructure Development and Future Prospects
In a recent statement, Baute indicated that the Town Council is ready to begin issuing licenses for hotels and commercial establishments within the next six months, following the approval of the reception of the partial plan. To effectively manage the anticipated increase in workload, the council has bolstered its technical staff by over 20% and is committed to further expansion as needed to facilitate the development process.
The designated land for development is thoughtfully planned to include green areas and existing roadways, with three parcels specifically allocated for essential facilities. However, it is important to note that the project does not encompass provisions for public housing, as there is currently no land set aside for such purposes. This decision has sparked discussions about the need for affordable housing options in the area.
Economic Impact and Investment Opportunities
The financial implications of the development plan are substantial, with direct investment estimated at around €2 billion. Optimistic projections from developers suggest that the potential indirect impacts could reach up to €8 billion. Baute believes that the actual direct investment could be even higher, possibly approaching €4 billion, reflecting the project’s significance to the local economy.
The Special Plan for El Mojón was initially approved in 1996, with urbanization efforts commencing in 1998. However, various technical, legal, and management challenges have hindered progress for over three decades. With the partial reception of the plan, the municipality will gain access to 332,900 square meters of urbanized land designated for infrastructure and public services.
This newly urbanized area will include 120,000 square meters allocated for roads, parking, and pedestrian zones, as well as provisions for educational facilities, public sports installations, and cultural amenities. The Town Council will also oversee the development of green spaces and community areas, which are expected to play a crucial role in reorganizing Los Cristianos and enhancing sustainable mobility within Arona.
In a statement reflecting on the approval, Miguel Villarroya, the president of the El Mojón Compensation Board, described this moment as a significant advancement for the municipality after years of stagnation. He emphasized that the project is designed to attract visitors who will contribute positively to the local economy, encouraging spending in shops, restaurants, and local activities without overwhelming the existing infrastructure.
Mayor Fátima Lemes expressed her enthusiasm for the plans, stating that the vision for El Mojón has transitioned from mere promises to tangible realities. With the council finally securing land for long-awaited public facilities, this initiative is poised to usher in a new phase of comprehensive transformation for the municipality, which has experienced continuous growth in both population and tourism in recent years.
Key points
- The Arona Town Council has completed the Partial Plan for El Mojón after over 30 years.
- The plan includes nearly 9,000 new beds for residential and tourist use.
- Development will follow principles of gentle construction with low building density.
- Public housing is not included in the project due to lack of designated land.
- Direct investment for the plan is estimated at around €2 billion.
- The project aims to enhance the local economy by attracting higher quality tourism.
- Infrastructure improvements will include roads, green spaces, and community areas.
