Santa Pola Park Set for Major Transformation After Award of 40-Year Concession

Santa Pola’s renowned amusement park, Pola Park, is poised for a significant transformation following the award of a 40-year concession. The contract, which supersedes the previous 25-year agreement that concluded in 2021, mandates extensive modernisation, the introduction of greener surroundings, and substantial improvements to parking areas.

Pola Park SL, the operating entity, was the sole bidder and submitted its proposal before the July 30 deadline. The renewed agreement aims to secure the long-term viability of one of the town's premier private leisure destinations while executing the most extensive overhaul in the park's history.

The redevelopment encompasses the entire 19,525-square-metre site, incorporating new or upgraded attractions, resurfacing, and the modernisation of facilities to align with current standards. Enhanced safety, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems are also part of the plan. Energy efficiency is a key focus, with the park required to achieve at least a two-level improvement in its energy rating and slash non-renewable primary energy consumption by over 30%.

Accessibility enhancements will ensure routes and facilities are accommodating for visitors with disabilities, including the creation of more trees, shaded waiting areas, and rest spaces throughout the park.

To mitigate the park's impact on the adjacent Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park, the operator must erect a vegetation barrier along the northern boundary, using native or compatible plants that can withstand saline soil while demanding minimal water. Additional measures will curb noise and light pollution, rendering the attraction less conspicuous and intrusive from the protected natural area.

A substantial change will occur beyond the park's existing boundaries, where over 22,200 square metres of previously unutilised land used for informal parking will be reorganised and landscaped. Of this, 10,224 square metres will be designated for visitor parking, while 5,487 square metres will be converted into a paid public car park.

Another 6,523 square metres will provide free public parking, with vehicles concentrated along the perimeter to free central areas for pedestrian paths, gardens, and seating. Trees suitable for the salt-marsh environment will be planted between parking spaces to offer shade for both vehicles and pedestrians. Sustainable features like permeable paving, accessible pathways, street furniture, and drainage systems are also planned.

Rainwater will be collected and repurposed for irrigation, helping to minimise puddles and conserve water. Other upgrades include replacing existing streetlights with energy-efficient alternatives and constructing an emergency medical facility within the amusement park. The contract's estimated value stands at €1.2 million, based on the minimum financial obligations over its maximum 40-year tenure.

The operator will pay the city council an annual fee of €15,000, with an additional €15,000 annually directed towards the development of the intended green spaces. These payments do not encompass the cost of construction, improvements, or ongoing maintenance, all of which will be borne by the concessionaire.

This new agreement effectively ends a period of temporary arrangements and administrative delays. In May, the council granted an extraordinary 18-month extension while the concession process was ongoing. Upon the contract's formal award, the operator will have three months to submit a comprehensive implementation plan that integrates all council requirements and outlines the final construction schedule.