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San Javier unveils plans for a revamped Santiago de la Ribera promenade
The €8.3 million project would reshape the seafront with relocated beach bars, new facilities and improved public spaces
The Santiago de la Ribera seafront promenade is set for significant changes under plans submitted by San Javier Town Hall to Spain's Coastal Authority.
The proposal, which is currently open to public consultation, would see fewer beach bars along the popular Mar Menor promenade, alongside a complete renovation of the two-kilometre stretch from Explanada Barnuevo to the Castillitos promenade.
According to Councillor for Urban Planning Antonio Martínez Torrecillas, the objective is to create a more attractive and balanced seafront.
"The aim is to create a more organised seafront promenade with a better selection of restaurants and bars, one that doesn't compete with nearby establishments," he explained.
One of the most notable changes involves the beach bars, or kiosks. Complaints from nearby restaurant owners have led to plans to restrict the type of food they can serve.
"They'll have to offer cuisine more typical of a beach bar," Mr Martínez said.
The kiosk located opposite Playa del Pescador, beside the Sol y Mar building, will be removed entirely as it does not meet the required distance regulations. Two other kiosks will be relocated to alternative sites that, according to the councillor, "will not cause any disturbance."
The changes are all part of a €8.3 million investment that will completely modernise the promenade. The project includes new paving, upgraded lighting, improved landscaping, refurbished street furniture and improvements to the existing sea wall.
Electric vehicle charging points will also be installed across the municipality, including three in Santiago de la Ribera.
San Javier Town Hall has applied for a 35-year concession to manage the maritime-terrestrial public domain along the seafront. If approved, the municipality would become the first coastal authority in the Region of Murcia to receive delegated management powers over its promenade.
Once the concession is granted, the council plans to put the new beach bar licences out to tender.
The move could also pave the way for the long-awaited reopening of the Botarata kiosk on the Barnuevo esplanade, which has remained closed for around three years.
According to Mr Martínez, "the owner passed away, leaving a debt owed to the Town Council, which then acquired the kiosk."
If the tender process proceeds as expected, the popular seafront venue could be operating again next year under new management, bringing bar service back to one of Santiago de la Ribera's busiest social hubs.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist offices of San Javier (main contact number 661 572285) or go to the home page of San Javier Today.
Image: Turismo Region de Murcia
