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San Javier's former airport prepares for space-age transformation
The old airport is being given a new purpose, with space for innovative companies, training facilities and a European Space Agency incubator
Plans to transform San Javier's former airport into an aerospace and satellite technology centre are moving into their next chapter, with work on the site now nearing completion.
The former Technical Block is being converted into a business and training centre as part of the Region of Murcia's CAETRA programme. The project will support companies working in aerospace and satellite technologies while creating space for new businesses and specialist training.
Regional Minister for Enterprise, Employment and the Social Economy, Luis Alberto Marín, visited the site on Wednesday August 5 alongside San Javier Mayor José Miguel Luengo to see how work is progressing.
Space for businesses and training
The redevelopment covers around 4,080 square metres, including the building itself and the surrounding outdoor areas.
When it opens, the centre will have room for between six and eight businesses in flexible units. It will also include two training classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, storage space, a multi-purpose room and telecommunications facilities.
The site will also become home to the new ESA BIC Región de Murcia incubator, part of the European Space Agency's network supporting start-ups that use space technology to develop products and services for other industries.
The centre is also expected to host specialist courses in satellite technology and business acceleration programmes, alongside innovative SMEs, university projects and technology companies.
Outside, work includes improvements to green areas, parking, lighting and the installation of CCTV, alarm systems and fire protection. Giving the airport a new purpose, Marín said the project is about much more than simply renovating an old airport building.
"We're not just rehabilitating a building, we're creating the conditions needed for ideas to become businesses and for technology developed in the Region to find new applications in the market."
He added: "Where civilian flights once came to an end, a new journey for business projects is about to begin, with the potential to grow, create skilled jobs and compete in one of the technology sectors with the greatest potential."
Luengo said the project gives new purpose to a site that was the Region of Murcia's civilian airport for almost 50 years before it closed.
"A project with a lot of future is about to take off," he said. "These facilities needed a new purpose after the wound their closure left for everyone in San Javier. We couldn't bring just any project here. It had to be one that genuinely creates opportunities for San Javier."
In addition to providing a base for businesses, the project is expected to strengthen San Javier's links with the aerospace sector, building on its longstanding association with the Air and Space General Academy and bringing the Region of Murcia into the European Space Agency's business incubation network.
Images: San Javier Town Hall
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Calle Padre Juan. Centro Cultural Principe de Asturias 30720 SAN JAVIERTel: 968 571 704
Oficina de Turismo de San Javier
The municipality of San Javier has three main offices giving tourist information to visitors, as well as two information points. The tourist offices are located in Santiago de la Ribera, on the ground floor of the town hall in San Javier and at the start of La Manga. There is also a summer tourist information point located on the seafront in Santiago de la Ribera as well as one at kilometre 12-13 of La Manga del Mar Menor next to Playa Mistral.
Due to its location on the fringes of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean, San Javier has a period of intense summer tourism activity during the peak summer months, although it is popular with retirees of all nationalities out of peak season.
Tickets for the annual San Javier Jazz Festival can be purchased at the Festival office in San Javier Town Hall, Plaza de España.
Timetables summer 2024:
Tourist office Santiago de la Ribera (Calle Padre Juan 30720, Santiago de la Ribera)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Telephone: 661 572285
Email: turismo@sanjavier.es
La Manga del Mar Menor (Gran Vía Km. 0 30380, La Manga del Mar Menor):
May 1 to September 30:
Weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.30 to 13.00
Telephone 968 128955 ext. 2
Tourist information point of San Javier (Plaza de España, 30730 San Javier):
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00
968 573 700 ext #5351
Email: concejaliadeturismo@sanjavier.es
Tourist information point of Santiago de la Ribera (Paseo Colón on the seafront)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Tourist information point of La Manga del Mar Menor (Playa Mistral, km 12)
Weekdays 11.00 to 18.00
Weekends and public holidays 11.00 to 14.00
