Plaza for the people
THE HEART of Benitachell is to be transformed into a people-friendly recreational space and an iconic square for all ages to enjoy.
It is one of two projects attracting grants from the provincial government of Alicante to put people and particularly pedestrians first – with pavements and access in the town centre also being improved.
The council believes the effects of pandemic lockdown and ongoing Covid-19 health restrictions – particularly in areas of the densest population – make areas where residents can socialise even more important and underlines the philosophy of ‘spaces for people instead of cars’.
Mayor Miguel Ángel Garcia said his team wanted to create ‘a model of a green town, which is welcoming to pedestrians and with spaces for the use and enjoyment of our residents’.
“We want a new-look square, and, in general, a town for people and not for cars,” he said.
Plaça de les Pesqueres is the first area to be changed under the two plans that have a total budget of almost €665,000. The cost of landscaping and improving the square will be met by a €354,658 grant from Alicante, with the provincial authority chipping in €126,817 towards improving pedestrian access across the town.
Named after the traditional cliff-face fishing of old, the square itself is seen as an iconic central feature of the town – surrounded by residential property and also ‘important public buildings’ such as the health centre, social centre, and the music and dance schools.
Throughout the year it is also home to traditional markets, festivals, concerts and other cultural activities.
However, the town hall believes the spaces used by people are ‘isolated’ by busy roads and leave an ‘inhospitable’ atmosphere where asphalt is the ‘dominant’ feature and raises questions over the safety of children who play there.
The plans to change the face of the square include landscaping, creating a play area for children, another for games, recreation and relaxation. Slopes rather than steps will make it accessible to all, and trees and flowers will be planted with a Mediterranean theme.