Visitors see the light

SUPPORT is growing for a project to bring a historic Jávea lighthouse back to life as a visitors centre and museum.

Jávea town hall plans to renovate the lighthouse complex at the tip of Cap de San Antoni and is looking for support from various regional authorities for the ‘ambitious project’ - as well as backing in its search for funding.

The council successfully blocked private plans to develop the site as a boutique hotel and restaurant; instead drawing up a project for public use of the site.

The town hall is currently waiting for the transfer of ownership of the lighthouse the warning beacon has been automated for many years from the Alicante port authority.

In the meantime, the local authority is reaching out for support. The latest visitor was Paula Tuzón, the regional secretary for agriculture, rural development, climate change and ecological transition - a body heavily involved in the management of the Montgó natural park and the Cap de Sant Antoni marine reserve.

Mayor Jose Chulvi and town hall colleagues explained the plans and took the party to the lighthouse for a meeting to explain the ideas ‘in situ’.

The mayor said it was ‘important’ the administration responsible for the park and marine reserve ‘knows all about the project and shows their approval and support’.

As well as a museum and reception area, it is planned to build a botanical garden to show off the rare flora of the mountain park, and create a route around the buildings that will offer stunning views of the surrounding area from the cliff tops.

It is also planned to have an area with rooms to house both permanent and temporary exhibitions.