Por Redaccion 
The Vélez-Málaga City Council will participate in the financing of various projects of great relevance and scope in the municipal area through an Integrated Action Plan (PAI) for the city, which was presented this morning. The plan includes more than twenty fundamental interventions focused on three main areas: Cultural Ring, Coastal Defense, and Interior Product. A funding of 20 million euros has been requested, with 85% coming from the European Regional Development Funds and the remaining 15% covered by the Vélez-Málaga City Council.
This significant financial injection would allow for the implementation of projects that are crucial for Vélez-Málaga, many of which have been long-standing demands of the citizens. One key aspect of this ambitious action plan is citizen involvement. Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez, along with Councilor Ana Belén Zapata and Councilor David Segura, emphasized the government’s commitment to «engage our citizens in each of these initiatives.» The Integrated Action Plan was developed in collaboration with the City Social Council, addressing more than twenty projects included in the document submitted for European competition, limited to municipalities with over 75,000 inhabitants and a deadline for submissions until February 28.
The municipal representatives revealed that the City Council’s communication channels are now open to inquiries, demands, and proposals from the residents of Vélez-Málaga. They will have the opportunity to interact and participate in this important program, funded through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Mayor Lupiáñez stressed the importance of addressing the concerns of the residents and making the projects a collective effort. The plan focuses on enhancing spaces, improving mobility, boosting the productive fabric, and promoting employment and social integration in less privileged areas. The plan will be presented to the Governing Council next week for final approval, pending citizen participation through their votes.
The Integrated Action Plan for Vélez-Málaga comprises essential initiatives and works in infrastructure and facilities, impacting strategic local areas. Under the Cultural Ring segment, efforts are being made to achieve the San Roque Node, a well-known transport interchange located on the outskirts of the Historic Center. This node could serve as a deterrent to private vehicle use in the old town and would include bike parking, electric vehicle charging points, and enhancements to the adjacent public transport stop.
Additionally, the plan includes the much-needed renovation of the climate control and stage equipment at the Carmen Theater, as well as the restoration of stuccos, sills, and coffered ceilings at the former convent of San José de la Soledad. Funding has been requested for various historical sites, such as the restoration of Santa Cruz Square and Cilla Street, connecting San Francisco with the hermitage of San Sebastián, ongoing works at the Alcazaba, rehabilitation of Concepción Square, and the revival of the ancient temple remains at the hermitage of San Sebastián. Actions at the San Francisco market and the Real Street deposits are also part of the proposed projects. The investment allocated to the Cultural Ring amounts to 7.79 million euros.
The coastal defense is a prominent focus for Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez, leading to a budget allocation of 7.17 million euros for various projects and restorations along the coast. This includes the acquisition of a historically significant property in the central area of Torre del Mar, known as the Casa de la Viña, which will be rehabilitated and transformed into a Social Services Center. The plan also involves the acquisition of three properties in the Local System of the Castle of Torre del Mar for rehabilitation as a foundational element of the urban core. Efforts will be made to improve infrastructure and furnishings in the streets of the former military compound. Projects such as connecting the rainwater evacuation network of Las Protegidas with the new sewage collector in Torre del Mar, revitalizing the Torre market, organizing roads and parking in the Chilches promenade, and implementing social transformation measures in the municipal area are all part of the coastal protection strategy.
Furthermore, a budget of 5.04 million euros has been allocated in the Integrated Action Plan for the care of Vélez-Málaga’s interior product. This includes significant actions in the Mercovélez building and the city market, aiming to repurpose Mercovélez as a Civic Center, housing municipal offices and educational spaces for non-regulated teachings, trade school, music studies, teacher training centers, and study rooms. The plan also involves the refurbishment of the Mercovélez surroundings, replacing the fibrocement roof, and installing photovoltaic panels. In terms of socio-economic development, focus is placed on promoting the Pueblo Nuevo area, a location requiring social transformation and the promotion of new opportunities for employment, equality, and the integration of individuals at risk of social exclusion. This chapter gives particular importance to places like the Loja park or the tejares zone, aiming to enhance the flamenco culture, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, through shows, workshops, and non-regulated training activities to energize the environment.
FUENTE