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CostaBlancaPeople 26th March - 1st April 2024
26TH MARCH - 1ST APRIL 2024 - EDITION 1036
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Your Essential Weekly Read
Benidorm biggest development ever: £491m plan for 20 huge hotels
In a move set to reshape the skyline of Benidorm, the city council is poised to greenlight the Ensanche Levante Partial Plan, an ambitious
endeavour that will introduce more than 2,300 apartment units alongside the construction of 20 colossal hotels. Valued at £491
million, this development marks the resort’s most extensive urban project to date. Expected to cover a sprawling 600,000 square meters, the project represents a significant expansion of the city’s urban footprint. The focal point of this development is the introduction of towering structures, with a minimum height requirement of 20 floors for residential buildings. Mayor Toni Perez hailed the initiative, stating, “It is the most important urban sector in the municipality, aligning with the vision outlined in the 1990 General Plan.” Notably, the project emphasises
a balance between urbanisation and green space. Approximately 65 percent of the land will be allocated for public amenities and green areas, with the remaining 35 percent earmarked for residential, tourist residences, and hotel developments. A central feature of the plan is the creation of a vast central park spanning over 60,000 square meters, complemented by extensive gardens and pedestrian zones totalling nearly 13,000 and over 23,000 square meters, respectively. Architects have emphasised their commitment to transforming Benidorm into a liveable, sustainable city.
Investments This announcement follows a series of significant investments in Benidorm’s hotel sector, including projects such as the Magic Pirates Island resort and the Gran Delfin hotel-residential complex. As one of the premier tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca, Benidorm attracts nearly three million visitors annually. Despite its reputation for vibrant nightlife and golden beaches, Benidorm has experienced a resurgence in popularity among tourists, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Last year saw a 3.8 percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019, signalling the city’s enduring appeal. In an effort to attract a more decerning tourist and improve the image of the town, authorities have issued a stern warning to British tourists regarding beach conduct, announcing fines of up to £2,500 for disruptive behaviour on the city’s renowned sands.