The Plenary of Alhaurín de la Torre has definitively approved the modification of the PGOU that will allow for the addition of more than 2,000 square metres of pedestrian space in the squares of Concepción and San José, two emblematic sites in the old town.
The squares of Concepción and San José, two of the most historic corners of Alhaurín de la Torre, are preparing for a significant transformation. The Town Hall has given the final green light to the modification of the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU) that will allow for their expansion and gain more than 2,000 square metres of space for pedestrians. The processing, which began in 2020, has passed all technical and administrative reports.
A long-awaited project
The expansion of these two squares is not a last-minute decision. The file was initiated six years ago and has required favourable reports from various administrations, as well as the incorporation of technical modifications. The mayor, Joaquín Villanova, described the approval as a "milestone" and highlighted that it is a project that has been "long in the making" which will allow for the "recovery of communal spaces" and improve pedestrian mobility.
Specifically, the Plaza de la Concepción will be expanded on its northern side, creating a new open space with views of the Municipal Park. This action will also enhance the surroundings of the church of San Sebastián and pave the way for future cultural and tourist projects, as well as an underground car park. Meanwhile, the Plaza de San José will gain a pedestrian connection between Juan Carlos I and Ermita streets, improving the permeability of the old town.
More space for people
The project memorandum emphasises that the intervention aims to recover the traditional configuration of the town's main square and strengthen the cultural and historical identity of the urban centre. It will also improve safety during large events and create new accessible and high-quality public spaces. The residents of Alhaurín de la Torre will see how two of their most emblematic squares gain more than 2,000 square metres of pedestrian space, a breath of fresh air in the heart of the town.
The proposal was approved with the favourable vote of the PP and the abstention of the other groups (PSOE, Vox and Con Andalucía). Following the approval in the Plenary, the agreement will be published and registered, a necessary step before the urban modification comes into effect. Although there are still procedures to complete, the Town Hall expects that work can begin in the coming months, returning to the residents spaces that, over time, had lost part of their essence.
The transformation of the historic centre of Alhaurín de la Torre continues its course. With this expansion, the municipality is betting on a more friendly city model, where pedestrians gain prominence and cars lose ground. Who knows, with a bit of luck, the terraces of the Plaza de la Concepción may once again become the meeting point they used to be.
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