The marina in Malaga, home to large luxury yachts, will undergo a transformation with the addition of a two-metre high fence for extra security.
The glass-paneled fence will be installed in the coming days and is set to replace the temporary structure erected in 2022.
The current structure, which is 1.4 meters high, was built to provide temporary security until a permanent, more environmentally friendly option could be found.
The temporary building was criticized for its aesthetics and accused of ruining the view from the marina, so it is unclear how plans for a taller building will be received by local residents.
The Port Authority said, as reported by Spanish news outlet Olive Press: “The panels will be higher, but without eliminating visibility.”
This temporary structure has been criticized for putting the needs of wealthy yacht owners above the needs of local residents and it is not yet known whether the new structure can alleviate those concerns.
In 2022, critics criticized the temporary structure for taking up valuable public space while blocking views of the marina.
Malaga Mayor Francesco de la Torre said he did not agree with the structure, which he called “inappropriate”.
While the glass structure may reduce views concerns, at two meters high, the new structure is larger and designed to occupy the same amount of space.
Work on a new fence aimed at improving the visibility of the area began earlier this week.
The new panels will surround Pier One’s three main piers, which have moorings for cruise ships more than 100 meters long.
Marinas on the Costa del Sol, like Malaga, are nearly full to capacity with an average occupancy rate of around 85 percent, according to recently released data.
This figure is an increase of 5 percent from the previous year and confirms the Costa Del Sol as one of Andalusia’s main destinations for maritime enthusiasts.
Manuel Raigón, managing director of the maritime association, said: “This confirms the strength and attractiveness of the Andalusian marinas and, in particular, the Costa del Sol as a top-level maritime destination, with quality standards that make the marinas preferable to other destinations on the Andalusian coast.”
