Fomento invertirá 7,5 millones en renovación del paseo marítimo de Laredo

The Department of Development of the Government of Cantabria will invest 7.5 million euros in the first of the three phases for the transformation of the Laredo promenade, including 2.5 million for the channeling and recovery of the Mantilla stream to prevent floods.

The area’s counselor, Roberto Media, has met with the mayor of Laredo, Miguel González, who presented the winning project for carrying out the first phase of the promenade’s renovation in the town of Laredo, as reported in a statement by the regional government.

Media emphasized that this action represents a «legislative commitment» that the President of Cantabria, María José Sáenz de Buruaga, established with the City Council upon her arrival at the regional government, and whose complete completion is expected to be «a reality by the end of the legislative period.»

In this way, and as Media explained, Laredo is preparing for an urban and environmental transformation with the comprehensive renovation of its promenade and the recovery of the Mantilla stream, a «key» project to improve the integration of urban space with its natural surroundings and ensure safety against potential floods.

This «ambitious» project promoted by the Laredo City Council and the Government of Cantabria will not only enhance the experience of residents and visitors but also «reaffirms Laredo’s commitment to sustainability and environmental resilience.»

«The renovation of the promenade will turn this space into a model of integration between urbanism and nature, boosting the local economy and consolidating the town’s identity as a tourist destination in northern Spain,» Roberto Media concluded.

With a budget of 7.5 million euros, this first phase of the total three phases that the project will encompass will begin in late 2025 and will involve the renovation of a total of 1.6 kilometers in length, between the Nautical Fishing Center and Republic of Colombia Street, carried out by the UTE AJ3-Jota-Mariñán.

The initial budget of this first phase, initially estimated at 5 million euros, will be increased by 2.5 million to address the requests of the Coastal Demarcation and the Cantabrian Hydrographic Confederation aimed at carrying out the channeling of the Mantilla river to prevent potential long-term floods at a point where they occur recurrently.

As the counselor explained, the initial agreement between both administrations was for the City Council to draft the project and the regional government to execute the work, so with the presentation of this basic project, «steps are being taken according to the planned deadlines,» he stated.

Therefore, Media hopes that the project will be ready by summer and can begin with the bidding and execution deadlines.

For the mayor, this presentation represents «a very important step» towards making a request that has been demanded «for more than 30 years» a reality, which will mean progress in tourism and economy for the municipality, especially highlighting the value of our «jewel,» the Salvé beach.

According to him, this is a «firm commitment» that the City Council requested from the president, «we have had the support of the counselor from the very beginning, and finally, it takes its first step to meet the deadline with the delivery of the basic project.»

González acknowledged the efforts of the 19 applicants, stating that the jury’s decision «was not easy» and involved «a lot of debate due to the high competition.» Likewise, he assured that a good choice was made with this project, as it is «very comprehensive in all aspects» and will serve to «diversify tourism, attract investors, and achieve a higher quality of hotel accommodations.»

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

The Laredo promenade, built over 45 years ago, is one of the main tourist and recreational axes of the town. However, its original design, with a strong presence of hard materials and little integration with the natural environment, has caused problems of accessibility, fragmentation, and degradation of the dune system.

The new project aims to modernize this space with a sustainable intervention that enhances its landscape value and functionality. Among the main actions is the unification of the promenade’s design, creating a homogeneous image with sustainable materials and urban furniture in line with its surroundings.

To achieve this, architectural barriers will be removed, incorporating ramps and accessible walkways, and differentiating areas for pedestrians, cyclists, and athletes to avoid conflicts of use.

Another key point of the project is the renaturalization of the Mantilla stream, currently underground in its final stretch. Its opening will reduce the risk of floods, improve water quality, and create a new green corridor at the mouth, integrated into a garden and leisure area. This action will also promote biodiversity and the recovery of riparian vegetation.

The plan also includes the restoration of the dune system, implementing elevated wooden walkways to protect the dunes and prevent erosion from pedestrian traffic. Additionally, sustainable drainage measures, efficient lighting, and new recreational and cultural areas will be incorporated, such as spaces for markets, playgrounds, and outdoor events.