MARBELLA’S long-awaited €200 million mega-yacht and cruise ship marina has finally been given the green light after 16 years of false starts and administrative delays.
The expansion and transformation of Puerto de la Bajadilla will nearly triple its capacity, increasing the number of berths for boats from 268 to around 750.
The revamped marina will be able to accommodate vessels of up to 70 metres in length – including cruise ships – in what officials say will provide a major boost to the Marbella area and wider Costa del Sol region.
The Junta and Marbella town hall announced that the project had been unblocked last week following the award of a new 40-year concession by the Andalucian Public Ports Agency (APPA), with the new operator set to take over the existing facilities on January 1 next year.
The project was first put out to tender 16 years ago, but the original contract was eventually rescinded and the plans for expansion stalled.
READ MORE: Plans to build new luxury hotel on Marbella’s Golden Mile triggers outcry from environmental groups
The Junta revived the scheme in 2019 but it has since had to navigate environmental assessments, coastal authority reports, legal reviews and a fresh tender process.
The transformation will centre on a new 1.1-kilometre breakwater protecting the marina along its eastern and southern sides.
A second 450-metre counter-breakwater will be built on the western side, while a groyne will channel the Arroyo Primero stream away from El Cable beach.
The enlarged marina, alongside the increased number of berths, will also feature a commercial area, fishing facilities, a boatyard and around 1,000 parking spaces.
As part of the environmental measures linked to the marina’s revamp, sand replenishment and transfer works will be carried out on four beaches – Venus, La Bajadilla, El Cable and El Faro.
Mayor Angeles Muñoz described the award as ‘very great news for the city’, while regional councillor Mario Muñoz-Atanet hailed the project as ‘an important economic boost’ for the city and wider area.
Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.
