Marbella’s solid Emblem not quite so solid anymore

Marbella’s homeowners are getting used to the sad fact that time waits for no man and not for Marbella’s famous arch either for it has gone rusty. The structure’s interior is now so rusty that the town’s emblem may not survive much longer.
 
After two decades of rain, the arch’s construction shows considerable wear and tear. The simulated stone covering the metal skeleton has allowed rain water to leak through, resulting in a deterioration of the whole structure, as rust has set in to a high degree, according to a report ordered by Marbella’s council.

Locals have got used to seeing the famous arch on their way to work – now the arch will be covered in netting to prevent more pieces from falling off, potentially harming passers-by and traffic. The nets will cover all four pillars that support the arch as well as covering the letters that spell the town’s name.

While the first report served to get the ball rolling for emergency measures, a second report commissioned by the council will determine the arch’s future. A survey should show the council, if it is a viable option to restore the arch – viable in terms of technical issues and financial ones, which includes the costs of a possible demolition of the town’s emblem.

For visitors to Marbella’s town centre the council’s improvement plans are evident everywhere.  New pedestrianized zones are springing up in places like the Acera de la Marina and Padre José Vera. Access roads to the port are also being improved upon and over the remaining five months of the work’s schedule the town centre should see many more improvements.

An entirely rust-free Area

Thankfully, Marbella’s property market is not showing any signs of “going rusty” again. For buyers who would like to dip a toe into the market there are fantastic opportunities such as apartments in Marbella West, where a brand new, two bedroom / 2 bathroom apartment with 80 sqm floor space and a 20sqm terrace can be purchased for EUR 129,000 in the gated development of Señorio de Gonzaga, which is beautifully situated in Nueva Andalusia’s golf valley.

Close to the town’s many blue flag beaches, to the marina at Puerto Banus and naturally, close to some of the Costa del Sol’s very best golf courses, the apartments are being offered with partly equipped kitchens, designated car parking spaces, built in wardrobes and close proximity to international schools and all other amenities.

For buyers with a larger budget there are gems like Marbella West’s townhouses. For a budget of EUR 550,000 potential new residents can purchase a 3 bedroom/ 3 bathroom townhouse with a living area of 293 sqm. Located within walking distance to Puerto Banus, a preferred area with international buyers thanks to its vibrant nightlife, fantastic shopping and excellent dining, the La Alzambra development offers privacy-seeking buyers 24 hour on-site security, and a high standard of design and finishing touches.

In Marbella East, rust hasn’t set into the property market either, for here buyers can find some great apartments and villas at competitive prices. Famous for its lack of high rise buildings, it golf courses, sea views and green open spaces, Marbella East is ideal for families with children looking for a holiday or permanent home. A budget of EUR 149,500 will buy a 2 bedroom / 1 bathroom apartment with a 10 sqm sun terrace in Eden Hills, a tranquil private urbanisation in Reserva De Marbella’s leafy neighbourhood. Boasting lovely landscaped gardens and fantastic swimming pools, including one for children, the complex offers holidaying families a real home from home with some excellent on-site amenities.

Conveniently located for the airport, beaches, trips to Fuengirola’s Bioparc and Marbella town centre, the Eden Hills development is popular with investors and buyers seeking property well away from bustling areas like Marbella town centre, or indeed its crumbling arch.