The Urgent Need to Revitalize Orihuela’s Historic Centre
From the Official Chamber of Industry, Commerce, and Services of Orihuela, we wish to highlight the pressing—indeed, imperative—need to address one of the city’s long-standing and unresolved challenges: the regeneration of its historic centre.
For years, even decades, we have heard discussions about plans and projects. However, many of these have remained mere proposals, likely forgotten in the archives of the various administrations that have governed from the Palacio del Marqués de Arneva, regardless of political affiliation.
The deterioration of buildings in our most emblematic area is becoming increasingly evident. The protective nets that now cover façades on Calle Mayor, Paseo Calvo Sotelo, Calle San Juan, and La Mancebería—and which are gradually extending toward La Ocarasa—serve as a stark reminder of years of neglect.
This decay not only threatens our cultural heritage but also poses a serious safety risk to those who walk through these streets. The presence of these nets is a clear sign that urgent, structural intervention is needed—an intervention that must, in many cases, be accompanied by broader social initiatives.
Orihuela’s historic centre is not only a symbol of our identity but also an economic and cultural asset with the potential to drive local development. A well-executed revitalization effort would boost tourism, encourage local commerce, and strengthen the community’s sense of pride and belonging.
However, the prolonged inaction we have witnessed cannot be allowed to continue any longer.
The Chamber of Commerce acknowledges that the regional government is currently facing urgent challenges, such as responding to those affected by the recent DANA in Valencia.
However, addressing these issues should not come at the expense of ignoring the needs of other areas. For this reason, we urge the City Council to remain persistent and ensure that the regeneration of Orihuela’s historic centre is not overlooked.
This call to action is also directed at the private sector, as the restoration of our architectural heritage is not solely the responsibility of public administrations—it requires the active involvement of businesses and the community as well.
The solution lies in implementing a comprehensive urban regeneration plan. Such a plan must begin with a thorough assessment of building conditions to identify priorities and ensure the safety of the most deteriorated areas. Most importantly, it should be designed to attract private investment, which will ultimately serve as the driving force behind the city’s restoration and revitalization.
This plan must not only guarantee a return on investment but also generate long-term social benefits for the entire community. To achieve this, it is crucial to allocate specific funding for the necessary interventions, combining public resources with tax incentives and subsidies for property owners who invest in restoration.
Public-private collaboration must be a cornerstone of this effort, bringing together businesses, associations, and residents to maximize resources and promote sustainable development.
Regeneration must go beyond the mere restoration of buildings. It is essential to enhance the cultural and touristic value of the historic centre through initiatives that attract visitors and stimulate the local economy.
Continuing to develop themed routes, launching new cultural events, and effectively promoting Orihuela as a historic destination will be key to transforming this area into a vibrant and attractive space. Additionally, establishing a monitoring body to oversee long-term maintenance will ensure the sustainability of these interventions.
Orihuela cannot afford to turn a blind eye while its heritage continues to deteriorate. Investing in the urban renewal of our historic centre is not only a responsibility toward our past but also a commitment to the city’s future.
Once again, the Chamber of Commerce stands ready to support public administrations with all available resources to restore Orihuela’s former splendour and make it a model for urban and cultural development.
Our historic centre can—and must—be a place of opportunity, but this requires decisive action and political will to turn this vision into reality.
Mario Martínez Murcia
President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Orihuela
