The stage structure or auditorium in the Parque Majuelo is in a lamentable state of disrepair and badly in need funds, so when the town received a healthy amount of cash for infrastructure projects from the Central Government, hands were set to work to draw up an impressive project for the park.
But this has been in vain because the Provincial Heritage Commission has ruled that the project cannot go ahead. The reason appears to be that the Mayor’s project is not just a case of repairing the existing structure, but erecting a covered area where cultural events can be held, regardless of the weather. The Junta argues that this project would have a negative visual impact on the Castillo de San Miguel, which sits about a hundred feet above and behind the stage.
Whereas the auditorium area of the Parque Majuelo is not a heritage monument and lacks official protection, meaning that Almuñécar can do what it likes with it, the castle that stands behind it is a heritage monument and anything that could in any way prejudice the castle is strictly forbidden.
Accordingly, the Heritage Commission that reviewed Almuñécar’s request, whilst recognising that the Town Hall’s intention to provide indoor facilities for cultural events is positive, considers that such a building would require a height that would literally block the view of the castle. It therefore has concluded that such a project cannot go forward.
Ten days after receiving this negative, the Town Hall set about trying to convince the Heritage Commission with the reasoning: if the project continues to be blocked, it will put at risk one of the most important projects within the package included in the Central Government’s Plan E.
According to the Town Hall the Majuelo project was approved by the Central Government and the provincial delegation with a budget of 406,000 euros. So far the H.C is not convinced, so the Town Hall has fenced off the stage area, claiming that it is in a state of ‘technical ruin,’ according to a report submitted by the Municipal Surveyor.
“I have seen evidence the structure presents obvious signs of structural fatigue,” reads his report, concluding that it was in a ruinous state and that he ordered it to be fenced off until it could be demolished.