- A building constructed in 1995 on La Mata beach in Torrevieja stands on public maritime land without concession.
- Multiple judicial rulings from 2003 to 2019 confirmed the land as public domain and upheld demolition orders.
- The building hosts commercial activities and tourist apartments despite lacking proper licenses and suffering recent structural damage.
- Authorities have not yet enforced demolition, causing safety concerns and local debate.
- Similar unauthorized structures in Torrevieja and nearby areas have been demolished following legal procedures.
Controversial Building on La Mata Beach Faces Demolition Despite Long Legal History
In the heart of Torrevieja, on the edge of La mata Beach, a building constructed in 1995 continues to raise legal and social issues. Although it sits directly on what spain’s State Governance recognizes as public maritime land, this two-floor property with tourist apartments and commercial premises has never had the required concession and faces an enduring order of demolition.
The Building and Its Complex Legal Background
The building was erected at the intersection of Avenida de los Daneses and La Mata Beach on a 1,759 square meter plot officially designated as a beach by the State. Despite the Coastal Law (ley de Costas) already being in force and a boundary delimitation process underway during its construction, the developer obtained permits from the Torrevieja City Council.
However, the building:
- Has never held a valid concession over the public maritime-terrestrial domain.
- Has been subject to multiple court rulings confirming its illegal status.
- Is currently in a state of structural deterioration, including a recent partial roof collapse.
Judicial Verdicts Support Demolition Orders
From 2003 through 2019,powerful judicial institutions including the Audiencia Nacional and the Supreme Court upheld the State’s position that this land is public domain and that demolition orders are valid. Some key rulings were:
| Date | Judicial Body | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| april 9, 2003 | Provincial court | Confirmed demolition order for the building |
| January 16, 2008 | Audiencia Nacional | Ratified land delimitation as public maritime-terrestrial domain |
| June 29, 2011 | Supreme Court | Dismissed the developer’s appeal against previous rulings |
| January 15, 2019 | Audiencia Nacional | Reaffirmed the State’s authority and confirmed no concession applies |
Despite exhausting several legal pathways, the developer Montegira failed to overturn the rulings and the building remains in place.
Current Status: deterioration, Safety Risks, and Ongoing Use
Recently, a partial collapse of the roof was reported in one of the restaurants located in the building, leading to its closure and sealing by the local police. A local resident was reportedly injured and required medical attention.
According to sources close to the Provincial Coastal Service, no repair or maintenance work is legally permitted on the structure due to its illegal occupation of public maritime land. Only temporary safety measures like nets or supports are allowed if necessary to protect people.
Despite this,some renovation activity aimed at stabilizing the concrete exterior has been ongoing,with workers observed inside the building. Meanwhile,tourists continue to occupy some apartments,and commercial businesses (supermarket,shops,restaurants) operate under unclear licensing conditions from the local council.
Local Government and Coastal Authorities’ Response
The Coastal Agency (Costas) has confirmed the building has no concession but has not explained why it has not enforced the demolition order itself. Usually, if property owners do not comply, Costas carries out the demolition at their expense. Simultaneously occurring, Torrevieja City Council has not publicly clarified whether businesses hold proper opening licenses, further complicating the situation.
Comparison with Other Cases in Torrevieja and Surroundings
In contrast, other structures built without proper concessions have been demolished in recent years, such as:
- The famous kiosks “El Tintero” and “josé María” on Playa del Cura beach, removed after their licenses expired.
- More than 60 houses in Babilonia, Guardamar, that legally held concessions until 2018 and are scheduled for demolition soon.
These demolitions highlight the efforts underway to protect and regulate Spain’s coastal public lands,efforts seemingly unmet at La Mata.
What Would the Future Hold for the La Mata Building?
The ongoing presence of this building on protected maritime-terrestrial land poses significant questions for coastal management, urban planning, and public safety in Torrevieja. Authorities face the challenge of enforcing legal rulings while addressing the interests of residents, business owners, and tourists.
For now, locals remain concerned about the structural risks and the unclear legal status of the site. The Administration’s next steps could set important precedents for coastal preservation in the region.
Quick Facts
- Location: Avenida de los Daneses, La Mata Beach, Torrevieja
- Built: 1995
- size: Approximately 1,759 m²
- Status: Illegal occupation of public maritime land, demolition ordered but not enforced
- Recent incident: Partial roof collapse reported in a restaurant within the building