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After more than a decade of decay, overgrowth and legal limbo, the once-glamorous Hipódromo de la Costa del Sol in Mijas is about to have a dramatic transformation.
On December 1, Mijas Council unanimously voted to dissolve Recursos Turísticos de Mijas S.A., the insolvent company that managed the 380,000-square-metre facility since the 1990s. This move comes after Unicaja Banco donated shares. full ownership and control back to the councilEnd the long-lasting bankruptcy saga The first of these began in 2018.
The hipódromoIn its heyday, the 1.7-kilometre track attracted up to 7,000 people with its grandstands and track. However, financial woes, worsened by the 2008 crisis, led to mounting debts exceeding €3 million, which halted races in 2013. Locals described the abandoned site as a war zone, plagued with vandalism and structural decay. Restoring it for racing alone could cost €3.5 million, officials estimate.
Hippodrome comes galloping to you
But hope is returning. Ana Mata, the mayor of Ana Mata said that the dissolution was a “historic turning point“, stating that the facility would continue to operate as usual in the interim. Residents will still have access to existing amenities, such as the equinotherapy facility, municipal gymnasium, athletics tracks, and Samuel Oliva school of showjumping. The grounds are kept alive by weekly flea markets, karting and other events.
In the last few months, the council received four proposals from the private sector to revitalize the site. The visionary plans hope to reposition the hipódromo as a multifaceted hub, with horses reclaiming the spotlight through equestrian events, training, and competitions. Sports complexes, family activities and tourism attractions could be included in integrated leisure activities.
The council But they have also urged caution. “We’ve learned from previous mistakes.” It’s about sustainable growth for Mijans.” Soon, a public idea contest or tender will be launched. This could unlock investments for the implementation of these blueprints in mid-2026.
As El Hipódromo neighbourhood is spreading inland with luxury developments, with sea-view apartments and eco-villas, the site’s revival could supercharge Mijas’ sports tourism economy.
