The professional association Afedeco expressed its support to the decision of the Government and the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) of not develop commercial activity in remodeling from the port of Palma.
For the association, this measure represents positive news for Palma’s commerce, avoiding the opening of new commercial areas in an area already key for tourism and leisure.
All this after the board of directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) approved this Wednesday the development of studies and projects of a new proposal for configuration and use of infrastructures from the port of Palma
In a statement, the employers’ association stressed that an expansion of commercial activity in the port would lead to direct competition for businesses in the city center, many of which have already been affected in recent years by the rise of large operators and the evolution of consumption patterns. habits.
THE Preserving the center as a major commercial hub is crucial to the local economythey added, and for the maintenance of local businesses, which represent a fundamental element of the identity and unique offer of Palma.
“This decision is a step in the right direction maintain the balance between the development of the port and the protection of local commerce”, declared the president of Afedeco, Joana Manresa
The port organization’s solution for the configuration of the new port of the Balearic capital must take into account the four axes agreed with all the interest groups consulted in recent months. First, maintain the simultaneity of port operations in the commercial docks, the Poniente-Paraires docks and the West dock, as they are currently operated.
This aspect eliminates the threat of congestion in port operations for embarkation and disembarkation of cargo and passengers, especially during morning peak hours.
Second, move the space intended for cruise ships, concentrating their activity on the Poniente-Paraires quay. At the same time and to the extent that it is compatible with the maintenance of port operations in each area, the proposal will also promote the gradual transfer of repair and maintenance areas to the west quay area and in the sheltered waters of the port.
The new configuration will develop a integration project between the port and the city in the spaces vacated by the ship repair industry located in front of the Cathedral and in Contramuelle-Mollet. Both spaces will be used for initiatives linked to culture, training and especially sportby prioritizing values such as the expansion of the city and the transfer of quality spaces for the use of citizens.
