The city of Malaga has rebelled against the planned skyscraper in the port. After years of protests, reports from institutions, and escalating political debates, the people of Malaga have taken a stand to show their rejection of the hotel project driven by the investment fund Al Alfia, linked to the royal family of Qatar. Two citizen entities have taken the path of judicial action, one being the platform Defendamos Nuestro Horizonte, which has launched a crowdfunding campaign to challenge the agreement of the City Council that allowed the construction of the building. The other is the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Telmo, which is also pursuing legal action. The project has generated a lot of discussions in Malaga, with some seeing it as a symbol of modernity and others as an eyesore.
The tower in the port, designed by architect José Seguí, is located at the south end of the city next to the cruise terminal. The initiative was approved in a controversial express competition in 2015 and awarded to the Qatari group Al Alfia. The project includes 378 five-star hotel rooms and stands at a height of 150 meters. The budget is estimated at 200 million euros and has received support from the port, the Andalusian Government, and the City Council. However, the final decision rests with the central government, which will wait to see the outcome of the legal challenges before making a decision. The opposition to the project emphasizes that in a city like Malaga, the priority should not be more hotel spaces, as stated by the Minister of Housing and Urban Agenda, Isabel Rodríguez.
The Real Academy of Fine Arts of San Telmo, among other entities, has expressed concerns about the irreversible impact of the skyscraper on the city’s landscape. Legal actions have been initiated by the academy to preserve the environment for future generations and to address the alleged fraudulent practices in the allocation of land for the construction of the hotel. The lack of transparency in the competition that led to the selection of the Qatari promoter has raised suspicions of misconduct. Various organizations and experts have criticized the project, warning of irreversible consequences on the city’s heritage. The efforts of the civil society reflect a strong opposition to the project and a commitment to preserving the city’s identity and environment.
The platform Defendamos Nuestro Horizonte has mobilized social actions, collected signatures, and gathered support from cultural figures to oppose the construction. The initiative is based on ensuring compliance with urban and environmental legislation, as well as protecting the historical heritage of Malaga. Concerns about the visual impact, mobility disruptions, potential changes in land use, and environmental consequences have been highlighted as reasons to reject the project. The emotional attachment to the city’s landmarks, such as La Farola lighthouse, adds to the resistance against the construction of the skyscraper. The opposition insists that the building should be located elsewhere to avoid compromising Malaga’s unique skyline and identity.
The ongoing legal battles and public resistance demonstrate the active engagement of the civil society in Malaga against the construction of the skyscraper. The debate over the project’s implications on the city’s landscape, heritage, and environment continues to intensify, with various organizations and individuals united in their efforts to protect Malaga’s identity and heritage. The opposition to the project is rooted in a shared desire to preserve the city’s cultural and natural assets for future generations, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and thoughtful urban planning in shaping the future of Malaga.
