Benidorm seeks over €700,000 to boost urban sustainability, mobility, and accessibility

Benidorm City Council has applied for a total of €709,609.99 in European grants to execute four projects focused on improving accessibility, mobility, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation. These initiatives have been submitted under the aid call of the 2021 Territorial Plan for Tourist Sustainability of the Valencian Community, funded by the European Union through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.

The projects, which will be detailed shortly in an informative commission, respond to different lines of action of the regional plan and aim to strengthen the smart, inclusive, and sustainable city model that Benidorm promotes as a Smart Tourist Destination (STD).

The first project involves the installation of shade islands in urban parks located in Rincón de Loix, Foietes, and the avenue of Belgium. This initiative seeks to address high temperatures in areas of high tourist and residential influx by installing awnings and shade sails.

According to the Public Space Councillor, Francis Muñoz, this is an action "that promotes climate resilience, universal accessibility, and the improvement of urban quality of life." The project, with an estimated cost of €124,448.07, will reduce solar exposure, surface temperature, and energy consumption, while enhancing neighborhood cohesion and improving the visitor experience.

The second initiative proposes the execution of a perimeter fence in the camping and multi-adventure area of the Séquia Mare park. The project, which aims to provide the space with greater security, accessibility, and comfort for its tourist, educational, and family use, has a budget of €185,227.83.

"The goal is to consolidate this enclave as a reference for green tourism in Benidorm, improving operational management, access control, and the protection of the natural and historical environment," Muñoz indicated.

The third project presented by the council, with a request for €200,000, proposes the improvement and doubling of the bike lane on the avenue of l'Albir (CV-753), the main connection route between Benidorm and l'Alfàs del Pi. The action plans to double the cycling infrastructure, improve the existing one, build a roundabout for access to the Villamar campsite, and expand the bike sidewalk.

Francis Muñoz emphasized that the significant increase in cycling traffic due to the growth of camping spaces makes "a reconfiguration of the environment essential to ensure road safety and improve coexistence between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles," in addition to contributing to emission reduction and promoting sustainable tourism.

Finally, the City Council has requested €199,934.09 for the installation of acoustic signaling and the creation of pedestrian refuge islands on four of the city's main avenues: Beniardá, Jaime I, Alfonso Puchades, and Europa. This project aims to enhance accessibility, safety, and urban inclusion in areas with high traffic and pedestrian density.

Forty sound devices will be installed at traffic lights, and twenty protection islands will be built. "This action strengthens Benidorm's image as an innovative and accessible city, adapted to all visitor profiles," the councillor declared.