- Unsurprisingly, the council’s unconventional solution was met with fury.
Ill-conceived attempts by politicians in Torrevieja, Spain, to appease residents disgruntled by a newly built sports centre obstructing their prized sea views have only sparked further outrage in the idyllic coastal town.
Known for its large British and Irish expat community, Torrevieja has long been a haven for those seeking mild winters and picturesque coastal living.
But the recent development of a huge sports complex in the La Mata neighbourhood sparked controversy when residents of a nearby apartment block saw their panoramic views of the Mediterranean replaced by an austere brick wall.
To calm the growing discontent, Torrevieja City Council came up with an unconventional solution.
Inspired by a tactic employed by some Airbnb hosts (who are known to post misleading images of sea views to attract more bookings), the city commissioned a huge mural to be painted on the façade of the sports centre, designed to simulate the lost landscape.
Unsurprisingly, the mural, which measures a whopping 1,000 square metres, has done little to calm angry residents, many of whom complained that the oversized, eye-catching canvas is a waste of money.
The recent development of the large sports complex in the La Mata neighborhood sparked controversy
The mural, which measures a massive 1,000 square metres, has done little to calm angry residents.
The image shows the giant canvas replacing the sea view in Torrevieja, Spain, undated.
The image shows the giant canvas that replaces the sea view in Torrevieja, Spain
Known for its large British and Irish expat community, Torrevieja has long been a haven for those seeking mild winters and picturesque coastal living.
Construction of the centre, which reportedly cost around 5 million euros, was adapted after designers increased the height of the building from initial plans and was completed in March.
The council defended its decision by pointing out that the sports centre had to be built on that specific plot, which was owned by the municipality, and could not be moved to another area with more suitable characteristics.
Officials also highlighted additional features of the mural, including a special chemical treatment that supposedly eliminates bad odors, bacteria and air pollution.
But these benefits have done little to calm the anger of those affected, some of whom said they were not told exactly how large and obstructive the sports centre would be when they bought their properties.
However, the controversial mural has inadvertently turned the sports centre into an unexpected tourist attraction.
Visitors have flocked to the site, not only to use the facilities, but also to take photographs of the now infamous work of art.
Recent reports in the Spanish press suggest that residents are considering taking legal action against the council, but it is not clear whether any suit has been filed.
