Several new green recreation areas planned for Lorca city
Lorca City Council will create these leisure areas within the project to rehabilitate the old prison
Lorca City Council is taking significant steps towards revitalising the historic centre of the city, with a focus on the area surrounding the old prison. María Hernández Benítez, the Councillor for Urban Planning, has announced that during next Monday's Municipal Plenary Session, they will initiate the approval process for the expropriation of four plots of land through a joint appraisal procedure.
This project, according to Ms Hernández, aims to facilitate the rehabilitation of the old prison building, work on the water deposits in the Santa María neighbourhood and make improvements to social housing.
Three of the pieces of land the council aims to buy are marked as part of the city's special plan for protection and improvement, and they are also included in a plan to take care of the city wall, which is important for preserving Lorca's history. Another piece of land is going to be used for a green space.
An investment of 111,365.85 euros will be used to purchase the buildings located on calles Corregidor and Laberinto and the project has been accelerated by Mayor Fulgencio Gil, “given its particular positive impact on the area.”
The project aligns with the Special Plan for the Protection of the Wall of Lorca, which envisions the creation of free public spaces, allowing for the recovery of the old urban layout and providing a green area with views of the main façade of the old collegiate church, San Patricio.
Ms Hernández emphasised the complexity of creating green spaces in Lorca's historic centre due to the area's unique characteristics. The narrow streets and complex ownership issues of the buildings often hinder their proper maintenance. However, with this project, the city is taking a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for residents and preserving the city's historical heritage.
The Urban Planning Councillor also highlighted the project's alignment with the Plan to Resurge the Old City, which aims to be the most ambitious initiative proposed for the area. With reconstructions already announced on multiple streets and new initiatives underway, the rehabilitation and enhancement of the Prison are set to be another incentive for the city's revitalisation.
The Natur-W project, funded with 4.78 million euros, further supports this initiative. It aims to regenerate the urban area of Barrios Altos, combat energy poverty and promote the efficient use of natural water resources through nature-based solutions. This project, part of the New European Bauhaus program, is expected to be completed by 2027.
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Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 
Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San 
Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a 
series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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