The Expansion of Puerto Marina is still in doubt

“They have been talking about this idea of expanding the marina for years but nothing has seen the light of day,” say Johanna Lindstrom whose yacht has been moored in Benalmádena’s port for 10 years. “Maybe one day we’ll start to see movement but I’m not holding my breath.” The ambitious expansion venture was first launched at the end of the 1990s under the-mayor; Enrique Bolín. Since then, however the plans have not moved forward. In fact, they have recently moved a step backwards as the study into the environmental impact of the project, which was approved by the Ministry of Environment in 2002, has now expired. Should there be a desire to expand Puerto Marina, another detailed study would now need to be carried out and subsequently approved.


Had the project come to fruition, Benalmádena’s port would have been the largest of its kind in Andalucía, with nearly 2,000 berths. The site would have covered an area of 36.5 hectares, and would have allowed not only an increase in the total number of boats, but also an increase in the size of the vessels using the marina. In addition, the blueprint also included the creation of a new commercial area for maritime-related businesses or restaurants, but pubs and clubs were specifically excluded. There was even the option to build a heliport.
Nonetheless, the complexity of the initiative, including having created a new entrance to Puerto Marina, has meant it has been left on the shelf. Another major stumbling block has, of course, been financial. The necessary investment for this landmark project is around 72 million euros.

However, the current council is contemplating the possibility of commissioning a new environmental report, although the reactivation of the project would depend on the economic viability. Municipal funds wouldn’t stretch to such a project and investment from a private company would be vital to the venture being given the ‘green light.’ Although the economic situation is still unstable, it is hoped a firm would become involved in exchange for taking over its management.

“The Expansion would create jobs for the area and would attract visitors. Recently, several other local ports have been given the go ahead for huge investment and we should continue to develop Benalmádena’s to stay ahead of the game in the future. But whatever happens we need that new road into the marina,” says Robert Cannon who works in the port.

Source: Benalmadena property news