The Ayuntamiento of Ronda has unwittingly started construction on a youth hostel and 3 star hotel in old mill buildings close to the Guadelevin river below the Puente Nuevo in buildings not owned by the council, leaving red faces as the rightful owners agree not to seek legal remedies.
Two old mill buildings previously owned by the Sevillana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Spain’s electrical supply company Endesa, though in 1994 they were donated to the Asociación Promoción y Desarrollo de la Serranía de Ronda who undertook to prevent their use in a way that could harm the landscape of the tajo.
Local employment workshops (Taller de Empleo) have renovated the two buildings over several years, including new roofs, structural repairs, and internal construction that would allow one of the buildings to be used as a dormitory type building for youths, whilst the other would be converted into a 3 star hotel.
The works are not yet complete, some estimates say around 75% of construction is complete, however the set aside legal action does not automatically entitle the town hall to resume renovations until an agreement can be reached with the association.
Both buildings were formally in a state of ruin, so renovations and conversion to accommodation are not considered disadvantages, however ownership of the buildings and surrounding land, and the revenue to be generated from them will now be the responsibility of the association. Officers of the association were today unavailable for comment.
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I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.