Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
The Eastside project, which has been long awaited, is now a reality. It will be one of the largest developments in the Rock’s history.
Gibraltar’s Development and Planning Commission has granted formal planning permission following a member’s invitation to view the final placement of a large coastal breakwater as part of sea defence plans for the infrastructure.
The approval is conditional on a redesign of revetment along the seawall to reduce the visual impact.
The majority of DPC Members confirmed that they were satisfied with southernmost extension of the breakwater.
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The first phase, led by TNG Real Estate Eastside Ltd, includes construction of a coastal protection work and a marina.
This follows the approval of the outline masterplan in August 20,22.
The Eastside Development is expected to bring hundreds of new houses, leisure facilities, and green public space on reclaimed lands east of the Rock.
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The decision was not without controversy.
Residents of neighbouring Catalan Bay claim they were ‘not consulted’ amid a host of unfulfilled promises.
“We now face that this happened without consultation. No notices were put up, a GBC spokesperson said.
“We weren’t consulted before, and we have a scenario now that they are considering an arm which comes this way — so it goes out and then comes along and blocks the whole view of Catalan Bay.
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The beaches will be destroyed systematically year after year. The beaches will erode every year.
The beaches will be filled with trucks. Gibraltar’s people need to be informed that this is going affect their lifestyle.
Environmental groups have expressed concerns over the possible impact on marine biodiversity and the long-term wellbeing of nearby beaches.
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They warn the proposed breakwater may alter the wave dynamics, causing sand erosions and increased pollution along the shoreline.
Officials, however, have emphasised that the development will move forward ‘in a manner that respects and protects its surrounding natural environment’, in line with Gibraltar’s commitments to biodiversity and marine conservation.
Construction of the first phase should begin in late this year.
