A wealthy Russian businessman is looking for investors to support a dramatic and exciting project he is spearheading - to build a cable car to La Cruz, or The Cross as most Brits know it! The 21 million euro project would see a cable station located at Punta Llisera in the Rincon de Loix.
This is the place where the controversial Gemelos 28 twin towers are, and still remain.The constructor is currently going through numerous court proceedings to try and legalise the build, which has allegedly breeched regulations and the Costal Act by building too close to the coastline.
The promoter of the cable car project has already had a number of meetings since the beginning of the year with the Mayor, Agustin Navarro, who has broadly welcomed the initiative. However, he has also indicated it is likely to be a long road ahead with many potential complications and obstacles, primarily because authorization and permits would need to be obtained from both the Costas and the Government as it involves a protected natural park, the Sierra Helada.
The businessman has already carried out a detailed study and presented the findings in a report to the Town Hall. The land on which they plan to build the cable car station, next to The Cross on the top of the mountain is an area of 11,000 sq mts and belongs to a group of private owners. They have already been in talks with the individuals who would agree to sell to the developer for around 2 million euros.
At present the land is designated for the construction of housing therefore a change of use would need to be sought. One proposal by the developer is to have a bar/restaurant at the top, affording spectacular views and so a major attraction and economic benefit to the area.
The developer has not disclosed whether there are any investors already on board, but the business plan has scheduled commencement of works for next year, 2015. There are similar successful cable cars operating in other Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza.... Will be interesting to see if it goes ahead!
