The fire at the Ibis Hotel in Málaga, which has lasted 38 days, points towards the demolition of the building. Mayor Francisco de la Torre hopes for a new establishment of higher quality.
The Ibis Hotel in Málaga could be demolished following the fire that has kept the city on edge for 38 days. This was stated on Wednesday by Mayor Francisco de la Torre, who believes that "the most normal thing" is for the building to ultimately be torn down, although he reminded that the final decision rests with the property's owners.
The fire originated in the early hours of May 25 in the ground floor café and forced the evacuation of over a hundred people. Fortunately, there were no personal injuries, but the fire has been particularly persistent due to the presence of wooden beams, which have facilitated the reactivation of several hotspots inside, complicating firefighting efforts and access to the building.
A Fire That Won't Go Out
The duration of the fire has been exceptional. For over a month, firefighters have worked to control the flames, which have reignited several times. The mayor explained that the final report from the Scientific Police on the exact origin of the fire is still pending, a document he considers "good to have" before making a decision about the building's future.
In the meantime, the City Council of Málaga is maintaining precautionary measures in the area to ensure safety and allow technicians to assess the condition of the property. The Urban Planning Management will be responsible for analysing the proposal submitted by the owners and deciding whether the reconstruction or demolition project is appropriate.
"The most normal thing is for the building to end up being demolished, but the decision rests with the owners," stated Francisco de la Torre.
A Future Hotel of Higher Quality
The mayor has made it clear that his wish is for there to be "a new building" and that the future hotel be "even of higher quality". This statement comes at a time when the hotel was already linked to a potential urban transformation. In the area, very close to the centre of Málaga, it had been approved months earlier for several establishments, including the Ibis, to increase their number of floors to expand and modernise their facilities.
For the local residents, demolition would be a relief, as the building has been a source of concern for weeks. Furthermore, the potential construction of a new hotel of higher quality could revitalise the neighbourhood and attract more tourists, which is crucial for a city that relies on tourism. However, it will be necessary to wait for the final report from the Scientific Police and the owners' decision to know the future of the property.
For now, the City Council will continue to monitor the safety of the area, and technicians will keep assessing the structural damage. The Scientific Police's verdict is expected in the coming weeks, which will be decisive for the future of the Ibis Hotel.
You may also like
