Ballermann set for comprehensive reconstruction
Renovation Plans Afoot for Ballermann Area on Mallorca, Focusing on Housing and Infrastructure
The beloved party mile of Playa de Palma in Mallorca, Spain, is set for a comprehensive renovation and modernization, at a significant cost. Mayor Jaime Martínez of Palma City Hall announced a renovation project worth up to €300 million to journalists in the capital, intending to carry out the 35-point project over the subsequent decade and fund it from the city's resources.
The goal is to enhance the livability of the Playa de Palma and make it more than just a party destination. However, several aspects of the project remain undetermined, with the mayor planning discussions with industry associations and residents' groups to solicit ideas. For instance, €80 million has been earmarked for beautification of the second and third seafront lines, including the renovation of streets and sidewalks.
The project encompasses both tourist infrastructure and community needs. In terms of mobility, the Playa will be connected to the "BiciPalma" public bicycle rental network, along with various improvements. Park-and-ride parking lots will also be constructed, connected to a train line planned by the Balearic government. Outdated one and two-star hotels will be reimagined as residential units, and new houses will be built in the Ballermann hinterland to alleviate the local housing shortage.
Construction work on the sewerage system and street lighting along the seafront has been underway for the past two years, with summer interruptions to avoid disturbing tourists. This year, the final phase of these upgrades is planned for the coming winter.
The Balearic island is grappling with poverty among its population, with tourism accounting for over 40% of total income. Not everyone benefits from this economic boon, as every fifth resident of the island is at risk of poverty, according to official figures.
Over the years, plans for renovation have come and gone without being fully realized. The current administration aims to avoid repeating past failures by engaging stakeholders early and implementing changes gradually to accommodate the tourist industry's peak seasons.
Sources: ntv.de, uzh/dpa
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- As part of the Community policy, the city's resources will invest in vocational training programs for local residents, focusing on skills required for home-and-garden renovation and real-estate development, in an effort to improve the lifestyle of residents and make them active participants in the housing-market and renovation projects.
- To ensure the project's financial stability, the administration also plans to explore opportunities for private investing in the modernization of Ballermann area, with a focus on vocational training centers for tourism industry and service sector, which will provide skilled labor to help maintain the facilities and infrastructure.
- Following the completion of the infrastructure development in Ballermann, local residents may consider investing in property renovation, capitalizing on the improved surroundings, as well as taking advantage of the increased demand for vocational training in areas like landscaping, interior design, and home improvement, thus enhancing their livelihood and contributing positively to the local economy.
