Torrevieja counts down again: confusion over construction of new arcade at Paseo de La Libertad

In Torrevieja, where every centimeter of waterfront is worth its weight in gold, even a simple addition can create a storm. The city is just re-evaluating the bids in a €9 million tender for the construction of a new pedestrian walkway and market-exhibition zone on the site of the former Paseo de La Libertad.

the reason? Not corruption, not conspiracy** - simply an error in the scoring calculation. A simple arithmetic mistake meant that the entire procedure had to be repeated.

Hozono gains advantage

After adjusting the results, the bid of the Hozono Global (Orthem-Abala) consortium moved into the lead ahead of the OHL group, gaining an almost three-point advantage. Although, as officials point out, the assessment of the quality of the projects itself has not changed, the difference in scores may weigh on the final selection of the contractor.

The opening of economic bids, originally scheduled for early October, had to be postponed. They will determine a further 30% of the points, so things could still turn around.

Green priorities only on paper

It is interesting (and disappointing) that none of the seven bids passed the test in terms of greenery and recreational areas.

Although Mayor Eduardo Dolón assured that new alleys and greenery would be the heart of the project, the engineer evaluating the documentation deemed these proposals “insufficient.” One company did not even submit any improvements in this regard.

Of the total investment, only €40,000 is to be spent on an irrigation system for a small greenbelt, and €100,000 on a fountain with 24 jets. The rest of the area will be turned into a huge festival space, with room for 40 craft booths and seasonal attractions.

Residents' question: where is this “paseo”?

Not much remains of the original vision for the promenade, familiar to Torrevieja residents. Instead of a wide promenade with the shade of palm trees and space for strolling, the project envisions a sprawling plaza with pergolas and pots that will become an amusement park in summer and an empty concrete esplanade in winter.

Ambitious plan with caveat

The city plans for the new “Paseo de La Libertad” to connect the area near the port with the new Paseo del Mar entertainment center. However, the documentation still doesn't provide a clear answer as to where exactly the playgrounds or green spaces mentioned in City Hall's announcements will appear.

As is often the case on the Spanish coast - the project has great ambitions, but the details still don't add up.

Will the residents of Torrevieja finally gain a real promenade with a soul, or just another “feria made of concrete”?

Time and subsequent tenders will tell.