The President of the Andalusian Regional Government, Juanma Moreno, has attended the inauguration of the Varadero building and the presentation of the Puerto-Ciudad project in Almería, where he announced that the regional government is finalizing the procedures to approve, in July, an extraordinary subsidy of 15 million euros for the main work on the coastal front which will have a total cost of over 24 million euros.
He explained that this intervention will take place once approved by the Spanish Government and emphasized that this work on the coastal front is part of the comprehensive design of integrating the Puerto-Ciudad project, with a total investment of 47.5 million euros involving the Port Authority, the City Council, and the Andalusian Regional Government.
He affirmed that the intervention will bring new social, sports, cultural, and leisure uses with green areas, within an inclusive and sustainable design. The goal is to reverse the disconnection between the port and the city, particularly with the Historic District of Almería.
The Andalusian President stated that these works will have a direct impact on the local economy by revitalizing its tourist appeal, boosting commercial, hospitality, and restaurant activities, and contributing to job creation. «Almería will open a window to the sea in an area that until recently was restricted, foreign, and industrial, to make it available and enjoyable for everyone.»
He emphasized that the Regional Government will allocate 15 million euros to this intervention to address various works ranging from Morro del Muelle de Levante to Almadrabillas, including the urbanization of the Levante pier and the connection with Almadrabilla through a pedestrian walkway where the old Deutz locomotive will be placed.
He further emphasized that these works will provide a new perspective on the historic Cable Inglés and connect this area with the rest of the city via a bike lane. He also informed that, once started, a timeframe of two years from the awarding is estimated for completion, although prior approval from the State Ports is required.
Moreno reiterated that Almería has the full commitment of the Regional Government, which involves moving forward in this major transformation and maintaining the dialogue and institutional cooperation that brings so many benefits to the citizens.
Moreno has attended the presentation of the Puerto-Ciudad project in Almería.
«In recent decades, physical barriers have been created that have caused a disconnect between the city and its port, affecting the historic center of Almería. Today, while preserving its enormous economic and social importance, we seek a more human relationship and a brighter landscape.»
In this regard, he noted that reaching this point has required a significant investment effort from the involved administrations, but above all, a full decision of collaboration between the Regional Government, the City Council, and the Port Authority.
At this point, he emphasized that coordinated works have already been carried out, responsibilities of one administration or another, putting an end to years of delayed plans and hindrances to progress. «What we are doing here, through institutional cooperation, is taking firm steps and moving forward with works on different fronts of the complex.»
The President of the Regional Government stated that the Port Authority has restored this beautiful Varadero building and is working on access to the port from the N-340 and other urbanization and rehabilitation interventions. The City Council is currently carrying out works in the city’s surroundings with the port and the historic center. With the intervention on the coastal front, which the Regional Government assumes 75% of, the Puerto-Ciudad project is gaining momentum to become a reality in the lives of the people of Almería and shape an Almería open to the sea.
Thus, he insisted that the goal should be to achieve a project that makes a modern and competitive port compatible with a space more open to urban, social, economic, tourist, and cultural activities. «A transformation project that also demands connection with the territory through the Mediterranean corridor.»
He also mentioned high-speed rail and stressed the need for it to reach Almería, while reaffirming the commitment of the Regional Government to the new railway access. «We are willing to finance over 48 million euros for the integration of High-Speed Rail in Almería, for the underground works and the remodeling of the station, currently in progress, in addition to the construction of a new bus station to replace the temporary one that began operating in 2024.»
The event was attended by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Patricia del Pozo; the Minister of Educational Development and Vocational Training, María del Carmen Castillo; the Mayor of Almería, María del Mar Vázquez, and the President of the Provincial Council, Javier Aureliano García.
