Development of Fuerteventura’s New Sports City
El Presidente del Cabildo de Fuerteventura, Sergio Lloret, recently visited the municipality of Antigua to oversee exciting developments in two pivotal projects: the construction of a new Sports City and modern enhancements at the Antigua Mill and Cheese Museum. These initiatives embody a significant investment in the region’s sporting and cultural infrastructure.
Funding and Planning
These substantial projects are being advanced through the Insular Cooperation Plan for Municipal Works and Services (PICOS) and the Canary Islands Development Fund (FDCAN) for Fuerteventura, covering the years 2022 to 2026. The Sports City is backed by an impressive budget of over 5 million euros, while the enhancements to the Antigua Mill and Cheese Museum have a budget of close to 700,000 euros. Such financial commitments indicate a strong push towards community development and infrastructural improvement in the region.
The Sports City: A Long-Awaited Vision
The concept of a Sports City in Antigua has been in the pipeline for numerous years. However, it is only during this current legislative term that the project has finally gained momentum, unlocking the necessary funds and contracts to move forward. Sergio Lloret emphasizes that this development represents one of the most critical projects currently underway in Fuerteventura, particularly in terms of sports.
Spanning over 21,000 square meters, the new high-performance sports facility will provide an extensive range of athletic amenities. The project kicked off with the demolition of an old building adjacent to the current athletics track, making way for cutting-edge facilities, improved grass surfaces, and upgraded paved areas.
Infrastructure Development and Safety
As construction progresses, significant groundwork is being performed. The athletics tracks and football fields are located over a previous dump site, which has raised concerns regarding soil stability. Addressing these issues has been a priority, as the construction crews work to ensure that the foundations remain solid.
The new athletic track and football fields, featuring artificial turf, will be designed to meet the standards set by the respective federations, ensuring that the facilities are not only state-of-the-art but also certified for competition. Additionally, the complex will include several pools, a wrestling field, and other essential facilities, aimed at positioning Fuerteventura as a regional sports hub.
Endorsement and Support
Notably, this sports infrastructure is the first on the island to receive validation from the Superior Council of Sports (CSD), which has contributed a substantial 3 million euros toward the project. Such recognition highlights the importance of this development not only for Fuerteventura but also for the broader sporting landscape in the Canary Islands.
Enhancements at the Antigua Mill and Cheese Museum
Alongside the Sports City, enhancements at the Antigua Mill and Cheese Museum are well underway. With a budget nearing 700,000 euros, these improvements primarily focus on optimizing the adjacent platform, which spans 15,000 square meters and traditionally hosts the Insular Crafts Fair.
According to President Lloret, these enhancements fulfill commitments made to both the Antigua Town Hall and the Mafasca Cultural Association, with an emphasis on completing the work promptly. The ongoing improvements aim to rectify structural defects and resolve issues related to subsidence in the foundations of the area, which are believed to result from the underlying clay-like materials.
Addressing Structural Challenges
The first phase of structural analysis has revealed the root of the problems facing the platform, necessitating careful selection of materials for a secure resolution. In light of these findings, the team is conducting various tests aimed at determining the optimal materials for a conclusive renovation, ensuring that the site can serve its community effectively.
Community Response
Agustín Rodríguez, the Cultural Councilor of the Antigua Town Hall, expressed deep gratitude to the Insular Council and President Lloret for their pivotal role in advancing these projects. His enthusiasm reflects broader community support for the developments, highlighting their significance not just in sport and culture, but as cornerstones for local pride and identity.
Through these developments, Fuerteventura continues to evolve, investing in its facilities and fostering a richer community experience for both residents and visitors alike.
