Coastal department authorizes the works of Aula del Mar designed by the City Council on a frontline plot of Levante

The Provincial Coastal department of Alicante, dependent on the Ministry for Ecological Transition, has authorized the works for the creation of a Aula del Mar and a public garden on a plot located on the first line of the Levante beach, accepting the proposed project by the City Council. The mayor, Toni Pérez, explained that this Classroom of the Sea constitutes "a new cultural, historical and pedagogical resource" that will allow to know "the seafaring history of Benidorm, linked to the Merchant Navy, fishing and trap".

A resource, he has deepened, thought "for the enjoyment and teaching of the general population, but especially our younger neighbors", who will have in this Aula del Mar a space to delve into the past and seafaring trajectory of Benidorm, "one of the important milestones of the origin of this city, which today is a leader in tourism ”.

The mayor recalled that at the end of 2018 the City Council obtained from Coastal department the concession of this state-owned parcel "for a period of 15 years, with the possibility of an extension of another 15, and at zero cost for the municipal coffers." A plot that is located at number 35 avenida de Madrid, of 1,445 square meters and in which previously the so-called ‘Martínez Alejos villa’ was built.

Toni Pérez has detailed that, based on the terms of the authorization -notified days ago-, "from its notification the City Council has 12 months to start the works of the Aula del Mar", which once underway must be completed within a period maximum of one year. The project is valued at 655,154.50 euros, and the 2020 municipal budget includes an item of 385,385 euros for it.

The Aula del Mar and public garden project was prepared by technicians from the Architecture area at the end of 2017, and proposes the construction of a small building with an exhibition room, projection space and public bathrooms. At the beginning of the year, the City Council made some modifications to the initial project to improve accessibility. The rest of the plot will be configured with a garden with shaded areas and a promenade facing the sea.

The mayor recalled that "after the demolition by the Ministry of the old building -which the City Council tried by all means to save it-, Coastal department was quickly asked to grant this space"; Application that was approved at the end of 2017 and that was accompanied by "the proposal of a project for Aula del Mar and public garden so that this plot has a provision and function of public service for the entire town of Benidorm and its visitors."