The project to construct a promenade linking the towns of Maó and Es Castell is gathering strength. Such a "paseo marítimo" would be a welcome facility allowing people to walk alongside the harbour from its far western end, near the power station, to Sol del Este, immediately to the east of Cales Fonts. It would undoubtedly provide an opportunity that would be equally popular with residents of the two towns and visitors.
Work will begin soon on the dismantlement and scrappage of the oil storage tanks at Cala Figuera. The tanks along with other installations cover an area of 7,000 square metres and have provided a barrier to any notion of providing a walkway along this section of the harbour since their construction in 1957. The boundary between the two councils areas of Maó and Es Castell lies in the middle of this cala.
Es Castell's council representative with specific interest relating to infrastructure development, Irene Coll, is a strong supporter of the scheme and she thinks that Es Castell can play a role in the overall development of the port area. Mao's mayor, Vicenç Tur, has made it clear that he is sympathetic to the idea of a "paseo maritimo" linking Mao to Es Castell. He mentioned the idea of a cycle track as well as a pedestrian facility being a possibility and he stated that the closure of the fuel depot opens up new possibilities for the development of the harbour's shore.
The Balearic Port Authority has an outline plan for developing the area of the fuel depot, now redundant due to the switch of such facilities to Cós Nou, close to the power station. These outline plans include a marina taking craft of up to 6.5 metres draught; and an area for boats to be stored on land during the winter period. Such a facility could be available once the 7,000 square metre area of the former fuel depot becomes vacant.
With regard to the section of "paseo marítimo" which would be created by the implementation of this scheme, there are plans for leisure areas and for business enterprises such as bars and restaurants to have premises next to the harbour. Irene Coll pointed to the need to link the promenade with the land at the top of the cliffs. She was quick to stress that Es Castell municipality owns considerable tracts of land along this section of clifftop, the development of which could play a role in the overall scheme.
Justo Saura president of ASMEN, the association that looks after the interests of nautical businesses on the island, sounded a cautious note. He advised that there should be a period of reflection and debate so that a consensus can be reached by all parties involved. He also pleaded that work should take place as a team effort and warned against the possible inflationary effect on mooring fees should work be left in the hands of a privately funded initiative.
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