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After years of legal battles and political disputes, the demolition of the El Algarrobico hotel in Carboneras (Almería) is now closer than ever. The Spanish Government has announced plans to begin the expropriation process this Tuesday February 11, a crucial step towards the long-awaited removal of the controversial building, which was constructed in the heart of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

 

The dilapidated hotel, constructed in 2003, had its development halted soon after due to environmental concerns because it had been built without the proper planning permission in any area which was protected by environmental status. Since then, it has been embroiled in extensive legal battles, with environmental groups such as Greenpeace actively campaigning for its demolition.

 

The First Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, made the announcement about the expropriation of the land during a visit to the area this Monday. She explained that the Council of Ministers will approve a declaration of public utility for the land and property included in the protection easement zone.

 

This measure will enable the State to expropriate the building and land within its jurisdiction, paving the way for the subsequent demolition within five months, provided there are no unforeseen obstacles.

 

Montero emphasised that this action is a necessary step to put an end to what has become a ‘symbol of real estate depredation’. She also pointed out that only part of the land belongs to the company Azata, the project’s promoter, and falls within the maritime-terrestrial public domain. The remaining portion extends beyond this limit and falls under the jurisdiction of the Andalusian regional government.

 

Given this division of responsibility, Montero urged the Junta de Andalucía to collaborate in ensuring that the demolition is carried out in a ‘coordinated’ and ‘complete’ manner. She also announced the reactivation of the monitoring committee for the recovery of El Algarrobico beach, established in 2011, to facilitate joint efforts between the central and regional governments.

 

For her parts, the Andalusian Regional Minister of Sustainability and Environment, Catalina García, has called on the Spanish Government to proceed ‘immediately and definitively’ with the demolition of the illegal hotel. In a statement to the press, García criticised the prolonged delays and unfulfilled promises regarding the removal of the structure.

 

She recalled that in November 2011, a protocol was signed between the Junta de Andalucía and the Spanish Government. Under this agreement, the central government committed to demolishing the building, while the regional government would handle debris removal and waste management. Both parties also pledged to restore the site to its original natural state.

 

García stressed that the Junta is ready to fulfil its obligations, allocating one million euros in its 2025 budget for work related to the demolition. However, she insisted that the central government must follow through with its part of the agreement by securing the necessary funding for the demolition process.

 

Expressing frustration over the prolonged inaction, García stated, ‘We cannot allow illegal construction to continue to sully one of our most emblematic sites. It is time for the Government to act with determination and put an end to this nonsense.’

 

As political pressure mounts, residents and environmental groups will be closely monitoring the upcoming steps to ensure that the long-awaited demolition finally becomes a reality.

 

Image: Pedro Armestre / Greenpeace