A new role for old buildings in Alicante City’s La Marina station

ALICANTE CITY hall hopes eventually to take over the old train sheds at the La Marina station.

Lat January the Urban Development department informed the regional government of its plans to use the buildings for performing arts events and rehearsals, exhibitions and other cultural activities.

Owing to the complex’s closeness to the sea, a sailing school was another option.

The Generalitat has shown willingness to cede buildings for the suggested uses but has made it clear that the train sheds – fine examples of early 20th century railway architecture – would remain the regional government’s property.

Officials explained that the region’s rail operator FGV intended to occupy part of the complex as administrative offices and for running the Tram network.

Once these needs were covered, the remaining installation could be converted for leisure or cultural activities, the Generalitat said.

If Alicante city hall is allowed to go ahead with its plans, one of the buildings, which is of no architectural value, will be demolished as it occupies land ceded by the port which must be returned in its original state, city hall sources said.