If you have walked along the Paseo Marítimo Palma lately, you will have noticed that the project of the "Passeig Nou" (Mallorcan word for "new Paseo") is already in full swing. Finding a free parking space is almost impossible and the zone can be described as a major construction site for the first time until its completion in the summer of 2024. The upgrading of Palma's harbor promenade is becoming obvious... New sidewalks, trees, parks, rest areas, stores, restaurants and terraces with sea views.
The disappearance of the lanes in the direction of Porto Pi has so far not led to major congestion problems. Traffic is slower, but fluid as it has been rearranged over the lanes towards Palma. The biggest conflict at the moment is the lack of parking. In order to properly carry out the construction work and reorganize traffic, almost all parking has been removed. Complaints have not been long in coming and Palma City Hall is already working on three alternatives for new parking zones.
Approximately 150 new parking spaces will be created in Calle Federico García Lorca. Another 80 vehicles will be able to park in the parking lot on the quay wall(Muelle de les Golondrinas) in front of the Auditorium de Palma. And 800 new parking spaces will be created in a 30,000 square meter area next to the warehouses of the company CLH (Porto Pi). These alternatives are expected to be available in March.
Changes
With a budget of around 37.5 million, the current project, led by architect Elías Torres, aims to reduce vehicle lanes (from 6 to 4), widen sidewalks and reduce the number of parking spaces by almost a thousand. New underground parking garages are expected to provide ample parking. This despite the fact that the city's priority is public transport, which should be used more.
The pedestrian zone will be increased from 29.5% to 39.7%, and the sidewalks, which are now a maximum of 5m wide, will be increased from 5m to 10m. Planting will also increase significantly. Over 1800 trees and 21 different species will be planted throughout the Paseo Marítimo. In addition, there will be 512 palm trees. According to city officials, a total of approximately 37,000 square meters of planting will be created. As many of the existing trees as possible will be preserved or transplanted.
One of the most important transformations will take place in the Plaza de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, located just below the Es Jonquet neighborhood. In this area, the pedestrian zone and the installation of a children's playground will come to the fore and the side street will give way to it. There will also be an improved connection with the Es Jonquet / Santa Catalina neighborhood.
The new promenade concept also includes a sustainable drainage system that enables the filtering of pollutants and the reuse of rainwater. The lighting concept will be LED lights controlled by a central system that will ensure efficient use. There will also be several charging stations for electric vehicles and a possible passage for the streetcar that may eventually follow is planned.
History of the Paseo Marítimo Palma
Until now, the 'Paseo' was home to the cheap nightlife: small stores, which rather resemble small general stores and above all: many cars. In the 30's the buildings of the Paseo Marítimo were located directly on the water. The 'Paseo' was created in the 50's as a connection between the then new port of Porto Pi and the old pier. It was really 'wrested' from the water, where the cars drive today was the sea. In the 70's came the massive increase in high-rise construction. This led to a soulless and also partly neglected looking area, where traffic connections and housing quantity were in the foreground. And unfortunately not so much attention was paid to flair and sustainability.
Website informs about the construction progress
The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has awarded the works to the construction companies Melchor Mascaró, Vopsa, Aglomsa and Urbient. Four Mallorcan companies with extensive experience in the construction sector, which have proven themselves on the island for forty years. All four have their own resources and regularly carry out public works. To learn more about the progress of the works, the Port Authority has created a website with the latest information about the project.
For Palma's mayor, José Hila, the transformation is very ambitious: "We are going to transform Palma's coastline, we are going to bring Palma closer to the sea." "It is a clear example of a city in transition to a greener metropolis". The president of the government, Francina Armengol, also stressed that "many existing businesses on the Paseo Marítimo Palma will be greatly enhanced".
After this reform, the Paseo Marítimo Palma will be able to boast of being one of the few places in the world that has about 3.5 kilometers of coastline and at the same time is so close to the city.
What do you think? Will the promenade bring the expected enhancement of the area?
I look forward to your opinion!
