The APB authorises Andratx to open a public observation point at the La Mola lighthouse
Palma de Mallorca
29/11/2014
The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has awarded the Andratx Town Council a temporary occupancy authorisation to open an observation point at the La Mola lighthouse. The council had requested a surface area of 45 square metres for this observation point.
As a result of this agreement, Andratx Town Council has to pay the APB annual occupancy and activity fees of €196. The council undertakes to carry out the work needed to fit out the balcony which looks over the cliff as a public observation point. Access to the La Mola lighthouse will be limited and will still only be available to the APB.
As a result of the authorisation, Andratx Town Council will have to paint the La Mola lighthouse, and if the occupancy is renewed, it will have to paint it every two years to ensure it is kept in good condition. Similarly, it will be responsible for maintaining and cleaning the observation point and for removing any graffiti that may appear as a result of it being open to the public. It will be allowed to install suitable lighting in the facility, as long as this does not interfere with maritime signalling.
Compatible uses
This initiative is part of the APB’s policy to reach agreements with both public and private-sector investors to promote alternative uses for lighthouses that are compatible with their function as navigational aids, and thus contribute to their upkeep.
Other examples of this include the Ses Salines lighthouse, where Imedea has a research centre; the Llebeig and Tramuntana lighthouses, which the Majorcan Government uses to publicise the Sa Dragonera natural park, and the Cavalleria lighthouse, which has a maritime interpretation centre, and a project for a museum promoted by the Es Mercadal Town Council. Similarly, the private sector has set up restaurants inside the lighthouses of Formentor and Artrutx.
