The Mayor of Salobreña, Javier Ortega, together with the owner of the Impressive hotel chain, Juan Fierro, met yesterday.

Also present were Junta and Central Government, provincial representatives, as well as from the Provincial Council, itself.

They were all gathered to promote the new hotel complex on the TH2; i.e., the other side of the Río Guadalfeo rivermouth.

The Town Hall considers this project as “strategic” as they believe it will “transform” the tourist offer of the Costa Tropical and the province of Granada.

Ortega stressed that the future hotel will increase the number of beds available in Salobreña by 500, which represents an increase of 125% in the entire comarca, making it a more attractive destination for international tour operators.

“This project will not only benefit Salobreña, but will be key to strengthening the tourist offer of the entire province, including Granada capital,” said the Mayor.

One of the main demands in the meetings was the need to declare the project as of strategic interest, which would allow administrative deadlines to be shortened by half. Ortega stressed that the development of the complex will not only contribute to local economic growth, but will also strengthen cooperation between the municipalities of the province to consolidate Granada as a comprehensive tourist destination.

Guadalfeo flood plan

A key challenge for the viability of the project is the execution of the corrective measures provided for in the Guadalfeo, Flood plan. This plan, with a budget of 19-million euros financed by the European, Next Generation funds, is essential to mitigate the risk of flooding that affects not only the TH2 lands, but also a large part of the municipality.

The works, which were approved in 2022 and have a deadline of 2027, include structural and nature-based solutions to ensure compatibility with environmental objectives. Ortega emphasized the urgency of acting: “it is now or never. This investment is essential not only for the hotel, but to protect our population.”

Editorial comment: when the whole vega on both sides of the river was one vast plantation of sugar cane (a thirst crop) there wasn’t any danger of flood and back then, there was no dam and a lot more water coming down the river. But substitution the all-absorbing crop for blocks of flats, hotels and dwellings in general has upset that balance. Had they planted another type of crops, such as subtropical fruit trees, things might have been different, but we apparently never learn. Not even with recently harsh lessons like Paiporta in Valencia.

(News: Salobreña, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia – Photo: Javier Martín/Ideal)

Keywords: Vega, Hotel Project, Corrective Works, Flooding, Rio Guadalfeo, TH2, Hotel Impressive

Reader comments: “When are the hotels going to be built between Salobrena and La Caleta? Before starting another waste of time.” – Trevor Watson

Reader Responds: “In any town with a sane plan for its urban development, an already available site for a hotel would be the obvious choice. However, what needs to be done first, is to put a stop to all new coastal developments until a serious planning failure has been resolved, the elephant in the room:

For a long time, still ongoing, coastal land has been built upon. Yet the access to it to cope with increased traffic, has been totally ignored. Yes, they have built broad boulevards down there, but they are totally disconnected. All traffic to the coast has only one access point, under the N-340 directly into the town centre. The result is for all to see and feel: congestion, air and sound pollution right into the heart of the old town at weekends and throughout the summer holidays. It’s even inadequate at times on ordinary working days.

How the city council failed to ensure access proportionate to new developments and thus degraded the urban qualities of its own town, defies my understanding.” – Thor