Es Mercadal Council is to spend 1.1 million euros on reforms to the plazas Constitució and General Galbis and calles Metge Camps, Lepanto and Carrer Nou. The work, which will start at the end of September, will include pedestrianising Carrer Nou with the resulting loss of twenty car parking spaces. The Balearic Government is to fund 90% of the project, with the remainder coming from the Island Council and Es Mercadal Council.
The project will also cover improvements to the electricity supply, telephone system, rainwater drainage and connecting those homes not already connected to the sewage system, free of charge to the owner.
Carrer Nou will be made all one level, with cobbles down the centre of the road and flagstones at the sides. Trees will be planted and benches installed along one side. Traffic will be restricted to certain hours, to be decided by residents and shopkeepers.
Mixed Reactions
Whilst residents and shopkeepers view the improvements to Carrer Nou in a positive light, provided that the work is completed on time (the estimated completion time being eight to nine months), the decision to pedestrianise the road has led to mixed reactions.
Some shopkeepers are in favour of the plan, feeling they will benefit from the end result, with wider pavements allowing terraces. Others, however, feel they will lose business during the work, as people will be unable to get to their shops, at a time when they can ill afford to lose money.
Two new car parks
The Council intends to create two new car parks on the outskirts of the town, with a total capacity for 125 vehicles.
The first will be constructed on a plot in Calle Llevant and will be able to accommodate 45 cars.
Negotiations are currently under way to purchase land behind Calle Tramontana to build an 80-car parking area.