The local council in Jacarilla is set to push forward with the rehabilitation of the irrigation tank in the gardens of the Palace of the Marques de Fontalba. This project is valued at 119,999.98 euro and will modernise an obsolete water infrastructure while creating a new space integrated into one of the most emblematic heritage sites in the municipality.
The Alicante Provincial Council has technically approved the project and placed it on public display for a period of 20 days, following the publication of the announcement in the Official Provincial Gazette on 15th June. The scheme has a total budget of 119,999.98 euro, which includes 20,826,44 euro of value added tax.
The project involves the complete rehabilitation of the irrigation tank located in the gardens of the Palace of the Marques de Fontalba, a site designated as an Asset of Local Relevance with comprehensive protection within the urban planning regulations of Jacarilla. The intervention will cover an approximate area of 251 square metres in the eastern section of the gardens, right next to Avenida Juan Carlos I.
The final proposal moves away from the initial idea of restoring the existing large basin, as its size was considered excessive. Instead, it opts to install two prefabricated underground tanks made of high-density polyethylene inside the structure, each with a capacity of 30,000 litres. This solution will free up space and open up an area that was previously closed to the general public, improving its integration into the landscape of the historical site.
The design also includes a semi-underground facility building measuring 27.89 built square metres. The roof of this structure will be converted into a small pavilion or elevated space for cultural and educational activities. According to the project plans, the local council intends to use this new area to highlight the importance of the Palace of the Marques de Fontalba and to increase the capacity for outdoor events that already take place in the gardens.
The work will also involve installing an external technical cabinet to house the chlorination, fertilisation and chemical storage system. This has been designed to minimise risks and ensure the safety of users through natural ventilation and exclusive access from the outside.
One of the highlights of the project is the creation of a new multi-functional space covering 115 square metres, surrounded by two landscaped areas, benches and street lamps that match the existing fixtures in the historic grounds. This area will serve as a link between the current garden and the new development, reinforcing the visual continuity of the site. In total, the renovated outdoor surfaces will reach 173.5 square metres.
Regarding the budget, 50,526 euro is allocated to the tank, the facility building and technical installations. A further 13,873 euro is set aside for landscaping the surroundings, 3,000 euro for outdoor lighting and 2,514 euro for street furniture. Gardening work and waste management will also be included in the costs.
The construction work is expected to take two months from the start date, according to the technical report drawn up by the architect Jonathan Berna Amoros.
With this project, Jacarilla aims not only to modernise the irrigation system of one of its most representative green spaces, but also to reclaim land for public use and boost the cultural and heritage value of the gardens at the Palace of the Marques de Fontalba.
