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The Benidorm industrial estate was supposed to be a milestone in the city's development. Planned as the home of the first shopping centre and numerous commercial areas, it seems to be turning into a million-dollar grave. On paper since the 1990s, the project remains an endless construction site - literally and figuratively. The latest hurdle? The need to extend the southern access road, which could put a further strain on the city's coffers.
A project in the slow lane
Planned and discussed for almost three decades, the prestigious project is struggling with an unprecedented series of delays. The latest challenge concerns the southern access road, which needs to be widened according to the requirements of the Ministry of Public Works. Avenida Beniardà, a central access point, is in urgent need of an update to reach the required capacity. While the northern link - the infamous „Vial Discotecas“ - is already under construction, the southern side remains largely untouched. How much will it cost? Approximate estimates are 3 million euros. The big question: who will foot the bill? The ministry is calling for the measure, but is silent on the financing.
Exploding costs and ever new stumbling blocks
The project, which once began as a structured development, was cancelled by the Ministry of Public Works in 2010. The reason: inadequate infrastructure that did not fulfil the connection to the N-332. The construction of a roundabout and a TRAM subway has already cost over 16 million euros, all from the city's coffers. While this work is due to be completed by the end of 2025, the southern access road threatens to cost millions more - with an uncertain outcome.
The original planning of the project in 2002 also symbolises the ongoing frustration. The contract with the company Terra Village at the time set the development costs at 26.5 million euros. However, over the years, the costs rose by more than 50%, making it legally necessary to cancel the contract. In November 2024, the city council decided to withdraw Terra Village's status as developer. The result? A partially completed project - and no clear strategy for the remaining work
Three ways out of the chaos
Following the cancellation of the contract, the city has three possible options:
- A new tender for the development work - a process that requires a lot of time and patience.
- The city council is responsible for completion - a costly and logistically challenging solution.
- Establishment of an interest group (AIU) by the landowners to assume responsibility. This model has already been successfully implemented in the Armanello area.
A shopping centre on hold
Another chapter in the frustrating story is the planned shopping centre in the industrial area. Earthworks began back in 2017 and the centre was scheduled to open in 2019. However, legal, technical and financial problems brought the project to a standstill. Today, the project is partially completed - with no prospect of completion. So far, the dream of a flourishing commercial centre remains just that: a dream.
A symbol for endless projects
The Benidorm industrial estate has long been a reminder of the difficulties of large construction projects: ambitious visions, endless delays and exploding budgets. While those responsible are trying to tame the chaos, many are wondering whether the city is taking on this mammoth project - and who will end up footing the bill.
Whether this prestigious project will ever become a reality remains to be seen. The only thing that is certain is that the history of the industrial estate is another chapter in the chronicle of bureaucratic chaos.