The empty shopping mall near the old Lagomar ghost hotel in La Manga is to be demolished
La Manga’s vibrant coastline is set to undergo a major transformation as several dilapidated and abandoned buildings are slated for demolition. The latest development to be bulldozed is an old shopping centre attached to a hotel complex built in the 70s, which has been deemed unsafe and in a state of ruin.
Inspections have revealed a concerning risk of collapse, with floors giving way and posing a danger to the public. The Local Police are monitoring the 2,695-square-metre area to prevent anyone from entering and potentially facing harm.
After this damning report, San Javier Town Council has sprung into action, hiring a company to begin dismantling the first nine premises located on the seafront, which have been declared in a state of imminent ruin.
The nine premises set to be demolished are just the tip of the iceberg, as Antonio Martínez, Councillor for Urban Planning, assures that the remaining 40 establishments in the complex are also in a poor state and will be tackled eventually. They, too, have reports declaring them as ruins.
The cost of the demolition of the nine premises and the removal of the debris will amount to 40,000 euros, which will be financed with municipal funds. However, the council will then seek reimbursement from the owners. The shopping gallery is 60% owned by the Roc family, owners of the Doblemar hotel, with the rest belonging to small owners and financial companies.
The owners had submitted a renovation plan, but inspections determined that demolition was the only course available due to “advanced deterioration”.
The town council is no stranger to such procedures, having recently overseen the removal of the Lagomar building. They will follow a similar process for reimbursement, first requesting the funds from the owner and, if necessary, taking legal action. Should the owner fail to comply, the council has the option to auction off the plot to be used to build a new commercial premises or even acquire it themselves before selling it on.