Mallorca: industry near Palma castle sparks port row

In Palma, Mallorca, campaigners are fighting proposals for boat-repair businesses near Castell de Sant Carles: they want a public cultural park there instead. On Monday, 5 October, the Salvem Portopí campaign set out its objections to parts of the Balearic Islands Port Authority’s plans to overhaul Palma port. Its members — ARCA, Palma XXI, GOB and Fridays For Future — also oppose a waste-treatment plant at Sant Carles quay and plans to fill Sant Carles dock with thousands of tonnes of concrete.

A park instead of industry

The groups want to protect Portopí, Castell de Sant Carles and the Torre de Senyals together as a cultural and heritage site. They say it could give Palma a large open space at the end of the renewed Paseo Marítimo.

They argue that the proposed waste plant beside the castle would be too large. They also say boat-repair businesses nearby would cause too much environmental harm.

Where the groups agree

Salvem Portopí began in March as the port overhaul was being prepared. The groups say they have since met social, business, political and institutional representatives and received a positive response.

They support a sailing school at Moll Vell, the restoration of Passeig de la Riba and a maritime museum at Contramoll Mollet. But they want the green space proposed for Moll Vell to go in Portopí instead.

Topics: Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com