The dismantling of the old Las Aguas swimming pool has signalled a significant shift in the landscape regeneration of this coastal area in San Juan de la Rambla, transitioning from concept to reality, although there remains much to be accomplished.
The construction work is not yet finished, but it has unveiled the historical shoreline, which had been concealed under concrete until recently. This area will be expanded to nearly twice its size by merging with the existing bathing zone, which has always been present and remains unaffected by the current developments.
Upon completion of the clearing and reaching the foundational level, the existing beach, measuring 65 meters in length, will be connected to the restored section that extends to the breakwater, approximately 70 meters in length. This will effectively double the overall length, with access provided via two newly constructed ramps.
“The coastal strip will be substantially larger, while always considering it as a moderately tranquil beach. As one wades into the sea, larger rocks will be encountered, primarily frequented by local residents,” confirms Yanira Mesa González, the Councilor for Water and Sanitation, Animal Welfare, Gardens, Public Forests, Environment, Municipal Heritage and Tourism, Cemeteries and Funeral Services.
Geological Platform
Additionally, by the end of the year, when the ground level stabilises, it will be possible to ascertain if the natural dynamics of the tides will restore the natural pools that existed prior to the swimming pool’s construction. “Historical photographs reveal that there was a geological platform along this stretch of the municipality’s coastline, which led to the formation of small pools at low tide, disappearing at high tide,” the councillor explains from a technical standpoint. As a civil engineer specializing in hydrology, she has been analysing the area and sourcing old images to illustrate what it may resemble once the project is completed.
Should this scenario materialise, it could potentially lead to the revival of marine species that have either vanished or sought alternative habitats, “such as gobies, a type of fish commonly linked to pools,” she highlights.
The removal of the old swimming pool and the adjoining structure, both at risk of collapse due to marine erosion and years of neglect, has involved an administrative struggle lasting over fifteen years, and although it is nearing conclusion, it has not been without complications. Both structures have been closed since 2010, and due to their advanced state of decay, their recovery was nearly unfeasible, leaving behind a hollow shell.
Since then, several projects have failed, and competitions have been abandoned, with the last one taking place in February 2022. Ultimately, the contract was awarded in the previous term to the consortium formed by Signalizaciones Villar SA and Yárritu, SA, after the previous tender was annulled in February 2022.
The budget for this undertaking amounts to €1,950,098, with an execution period of 12 months following the signing of the contract in May of last year.
Progressing with Challenges
Nevertheless, we will have to wait until December to witness the final outcome of this phase of the work. So far, progress has been steady, albeit with the typical challenges associated with such undertakings, and despite minor delays “that are not substantial,” the mayor reassures that the completion timeline will be adhered to.
In this regard, Mesa mentions actions that were not initially foreseen, such as the burial of overhead cables that “impact” the environment, which the company has also been instructed to incorporate, along with addressing a section that had been left unprotected.
However, the project encompasses further complexities and additional phases; beyond improving access to the beach, there will also be reinforcements for the walls and roads. Furthermore, the natural rocks removed during the clearing will be positioned in front of the breakwater for enhanced protection. Complementing this is the construction of a new roadway and the front of the avenue, which will evolve into a pedestrian area open to the sea, although enjoyment of this space will require further patience.
