Torrevieja takes the final step in the transformation of Eras de la Sal: a €15.5 million investment
The City Council has approved the final designs for the Museum of the Sea and Salt, the Salt Promenade (Paseo de la Sal), and the renovation of the Administration Building and the historic loading pier (Caballete).
The transformation of the historic Eras de la Sal complex in Torrevieja is entering a decisive phase. The Local Government Board (Junta de Gobierno Local) has officially approved the final designs for the construction of the future Museum of the Sea and Salt (Museo del Mar y de la Sal) and the development of its surroundings. The plans also include a comprehensive renovation of the Saltworks Administration Building and the historic Caballete.
This is a wide-ranging initiative that will cost over €15.4 million and aims to transform this historic area into one of the city’s main cultural and tourist hubs.
Funding and Project Timeline
The projects, designed by the architectural firm Pedrosa Arquitectos SLP, form an integral part of the Integrated Action Plan for Torrevieja. Significant financial support was provided by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
With this decision, city officials are concluding the technical phase of the process, paving the way for the bidding process.
- Tender: The construction work will be put out to bid in the coming weeks.
- Concurrent projects: Work will proceed in parallel with the construction of the future Habaneras Auditorium (Auditorio de las Habaneras).
- Duration: The estimated duration of the work is 20 months.
Modernity in harmony with history
The city government’s main goal is to restore and showcase the historic Eras de la Sal complex, transforming it into a vast cultural and civic space that opens onto the sea and is seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric.
The project aims to strengthen the connection between the museum, the seaside promenade, the Paseo de la Sal, and the city center through new public spaces, plazas, and pedestrian paths. The design retains the general principles of the previously approved master plan, focusing on a contemporary intervention that preserves and reinterprets the industrial salt landscape.
To help visitors understand the salt trade that gave rise to the city, the following activities are planned:
- Creating walking trails at various levels.
- A significant improvement in accessibility throughout the entire area.
- Transforming the currently fragmented spaces into a cohesive urban whole, closely linked to cultural and tourism activities.
The Budget at a Glance
The largest portion of the investment will be allocated to the construction of the museum itself and the development of its surroundings. The total amount is €15,494,541.53 (including VAT).
| Purpose of the investment | Amount (in millions of euros) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Museum of the Sea and Salt | 11.76 | Construction of the museum's main building and revitalization of the immediate surroundings. |
| Paseo de la Sal | 3.73 | The new Salt Promenade, designed as the main element connecting the cultural heritage of the Eras complex. |
Restoration of Architectural Gems: Casa de Administración and Caballete
The City Council has also given the green light to the renovation project for the Salinas Administration Building (Casa de Administración de las Salinas). This is a protected building, listed as a Site of Local Significance (Bien de Relevancia Local) and an Element of Architectural and Urban Significance. The planned renovation includes the restoration of the facades, interiors, and original architectural elements to adapt them to their future cultural and exhibition functions. This building will become a key stop on the exhibition route, serving as a natural transition between the city, the museum, and the coast.
The project also includes a comprehensive renovation of the historic Caballete (loading pier) in Eras de la Sal, one of the most recognizable symbols of Torrevieja’s industrial heritage. The following tasks are planned as part of the project:
- Reinforcement of the structure.
- Repair of structural damage.
- Adapting the building to meet modern safety and maintenance standards to ensure its preservation for future generations.
“Through this project, the city authorities aim to reinforce Caballete’s role as a visual landmark in the salt landscape and a key element of a future cultural and tourist route. This project aims to redefine Torrevieja’s relationship with its historical heritage and its seaside front.”
