25/12/2013 00:00
TW
0

etin continues to receive letters from readers opposed to the project, the Balearic Ministry for Public Works is expected to announce the name of the company which has won the contract to demolish, redevelop and manage the site of the naval base before the end of the year. It is hoped that the port reformation project will be finally completed by the end of next year. The old La Lonja fish market was demolished two weeks ago and the local council hopes that further work can be carried out over the winter after local residents suffered a summer of discontent complicated by construction work in the port. A new single-storey fish market is expected to be built on one of the new quays.
Although not part of the principal Port Usage Project, first approved by the left wing socialist government some six years ago, the sea front improvement plan clashed with the parallel port project this summer and caused major inconvenience to residents, traders and tourists. Work is already under way as part of the Port Usage Project which involves the extension and improvement of the recreational and commercial quays, providing 150 extra moorings, as well as the construction of a new beach protection system. Soon the bulldozers should move in on the site of the old naval base - a move which is proving controversial as many local residents would like to see the old naval building preserved. However, rubble from the demolished site is to be used to extend the quay with new buildings set aside for commercial and local port authority use will replace the old naval base. New car parking will also be built as well as extra moorings along the extended quay and all will be managed by the private company which has won the contract. Once completed, the port improvement project is expected to have cost at least 7.4 million euros. The council and local government hope to make a more user-friendly port with more room for recreational vessels, easier access to the tourist boats and more room for shops, bars and restaurants. However, it appears that many local residents are going to miss the old naval base and the harbour's once quaint and traditional fishing port atmosphere and appearance.