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Date Published: 29/04/2024

Three years on, Las Dunas shopping centre begins to rebuild

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With renovation works completed, businesses in the Cabo de Palos commercial centre can apply for permits to reopen

Three years on, Las Dunas shopping centre begins to rebuild

Cartagena City Council forced the partial shutdown of the Las Dunas shopping centre in Cabo de Palos three years ago, fearing structural collapse caused by the crumbling infrastructure. Crowds of youngsters were also gathering to drink on the abandoned floors, where only the bars remained open.

Since then, proprietors have faced a daunting challenge, pouring 750,000 euros into repairs, impacting 60% of the commercial spaces (about 455 of the 756 currently standing). Last week, the authorities finally gave the green light to the businesses forced to shut in 2021 to reapply for their licences, with the view to opening for business before the high season kicks off.

Renovations so far have focused on updating the finishings and internal workings, fixing the structure and supporting columns, replacing waterproofing and installing new floors, furniture and entrance-ways, all of which cost around 1 million euros.

By August 2022, crews had accomplished 35% of the tasks, ramping up to 85% by March 2023. Full certification came in February, with the community submitting paperwork in March. The City Council delivered the coveted permit approval this month.

Meanwhile, Phase One of the redevelopment launched in July 2022, focusing on razing 10,000 square metres of basement from the ageing shopping centre, clearing space for the future Mercadona, which will be one of the largest in Spain. Once completed, the retail complex will span 64,000 square metres, housing 250 shops, a supermarket, a perfume franchise, a Burger King and a petrol station.

Combined with exterior facelifts totalling around 1.7 million euros, the Las Dunas Shopping Centre is slowly emerging from its troubled past. Gradually, businesses will recommence trading, breathing new life into this neglected, but much-loved landmark.

In other news: Upgraded Renfe trains offer hundreds more seats from Murcia and Alicante

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

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