The mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, today presented the redevelopment project for Calle Terraza, one of the main arteries in the city’s road network due to its commercial character.
The city councillor held a meeting with local shopkeepers and residents to present the proposal, which aims to completely transform the street to make it more accessible, safer and more sustainable.
The mayor indicated that the work had already been put out to tender for a total of 2.4 million euros.
The project is part of the call for proposals to strengthen commercial activity in tourist areas, financed by the EU’s new-generation recovery, transformation and resilience plan.
Although the specifications stipulate a completion period of eight months, the Consistory’s award committee will assess the reduction in the planned duration of the work as a criterion for bids to be submitted.
The project aims to recover the concept of the street, designing an efficient model for its layout and operation, while revitalizing its use as the main artery of the historic center.
To achieve this, the project has opted for an intervention that gives priority to pedestrians by building a single platform that will give a sense of space to the entire urban area, generating a uniform environment that will promote the activity of the various services and facilities it encompasses.
The pedestrian is thus highlighted, improving environmental conditions and creating an environment that guarantees universal accessibility to urban mobility.
In addition, the new project will renew the existing paving, incorporating safer materials for pedestrians, and unify the different levels of the road to reduce the risk of tripping or falling, creating continuity along its entire length.
Calle Terraza connects Avenida Andalucía and Avenida España, and the planned action area runs along this thoroughfare from Avenida de Los Reales to the sea, crossing the historic heart of the city.
Specifically, the work will be carried out in three phases over an area of approximately 8,668.45 square metres, with approximate dimensions of 600 metres in length and 10 to 20 metres in cross-section.
One of the main novelties of this project is the enhancement of such an emblematic space as the Virgen del Rocío square, which will become a more open and accessible space.
In addition, the number of seats along this street will be increased, so that passers-by can relax and enjoy this public space.
At the same time, the redevelopment of this central artery aims to promote it as the backbone of the city, with environments conducive to ensuring healthy living for all sectors of the population.
Prioritizing pedestrian access to the road will facilitate mobility and urban sustainability by reducing emissions and promoting air quality and space for pedestrians.
Planned works also include the renovation of supply and drainage infrastructure, the installation of new street lighting along the entire length of the street, the installation of a canopy structure to create shade, the presence of flush tree surrounds on the surface, the reconditioning of existing tree species, street furniture and the installation of new planters along the street at ground level for greater visual permeability and a sense of belonging to the whole.
Surface parking lots have also been eliminated, while maintaining certain loading and unloading zones.
It should also be noted that the new street design will also allow access for emergency and security vehicles.
The work on Calle Terraza is part of the “Estepona, Garden of the Costa del Sol” project to revitalize the old town, which the Estepona town council has been working on for the past ten years, integrating more than 130 streets.
In all these streets, the aim has been to improve the spaces around the shops, with a view to promoting and revitalizing social, commercial, cultural and leisure activities.
