The PP, Vox, and Sueña Torrevieja have joined forces to oppose the proposed migrant reception centre in Torrevieja, urging the central government to find a more suitable location, while the PSOE has distanced itself from the motion.
Mayor Eduardo Dolón informed political groups about the government’s plan to install the centre on the Social Security Offices plot. He emphasised that this location is not ideal and called for unity to reject the project and seek alternatives that respect both migrants’ dignity and the local community.
Dolón stressed the need for consensus and dialogue between administrations to find a better location. The motion, supported by Vox and Sueña Torrevieja, aims to convey their rejection to the central government and national institutions. The Council expressed concern over the lack of official information from the government regarding the integration plan, logistics, and periods of stay for the migrants.
Chronology
On April 18, 2024, an application was submitted for a building permit for the Social Security building car parking lot. The City Council indicated it should be processed as a major building permit. The file shows municipal fees paid and requests for corrections dated October 25 and November 20. The environmental license, requested in August, is still pending technical reports and will need to modify the current building license.
The Ministry’s project includes seven modular blocks on the 13,453 square meter plot between Urbano Arregui and Calle Santomera. The blocks will house bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, a medical centre, access controls, laundry rooms, and security. The state-owned company Tragsa is tendering a contract worth 2,997,802.50 euros to provide food for the inmates.
Incidents in Cartagena
The situation is reminiscent of the Naval camp in Cartagena, where the City Council blocked extensions due to a lack of permits. Similar tensions have arisen in Vega Baja, particularly in Guardamar, where migrants had to be relocated after incidents with residents.
In Torrevieja, the central government already operates a CREADE reception centre for Ukrainian refugees in the same building as the Treasury. Last week, the Council criticised the lack of coordination with the central government and warned of the problems a centre in the city centre would entail. They insisted they had not granted any license and did not rule out legal action to defend the interests of Torrevieja’s residents.
Government Subdelegation sources confirmed that a building permit was requested and they are awaiting official notification of the municipal refusal. The Ministry has ruled out the expansion of the CREADE in the short term.
