The local government board of the Torrevieja City Council has approved the project to carry out the rehabilitation of the protected building of the Ice Factory on Calle Orihuela with Faleria (formerly Acarretos). The project will also include the adjacent plot of the former Gloria Cinema.

The General Urban Development Plan protects the Ice Factory building, which dates to the late 1920s. The municipal treasuries spent 900,000 euros to acquire the plot, which spans approximately 300 square meters. The initial price was 800,000 euros, but they later increased it by 100,000 euros.

Another 300 square metres of the adjacent property, which was recently converted into a parking lot for municipal employees, is situated between Orihuela and Salero streets. Previously, the Gloria cinema used it as a summer cinema. The City Council acquired it for €840,000 in early 2023.

The buildable area of 2,273 square metres is distributed over the ground floor and four floors in the unified design of both structures, which must at least match the appearance of the façade and roof of the current ice factory.

Invitation to tender

Federico Alarcón, the government spokesman, announced on Thursday that the works are anticipated to be awarded “in one or two weeks” after being placed out to tender. The final project’s scope and intended use have not been disclosed by the Popular Party governing team.

The mayor, Eduardo Dolón, has been advocating for the Ice Factory to serve as the new tourist office. This is due to the municipal plan to demolish the old Miramar building, which currently houses the tourist office, to utilise the basement as a parking lot and the upper deck as a viewing platform that provides a view of the bay, including the sport boat docks and the Eras de la Sal.

Redevelopment of the Salt Eras

The Ice Factory project is a component of a broader redevelopment and rehabilitation initiative that encompasses the entire region encircling the Eras de la Sal, the industrial heritage site that established the city and its salt mines. Initially revealed in February 2021, the initiative remains unfinished. In various phases, the project is currently only in the process of draughting and conducting archaeological investigations.

The project encompasses the restoration of the salt mines’ administrative structure, the original walls and paving of the site, which date back to the mid-18th century, and the trestle that was reconstructed in the late 1990s. The proposal also encompasses the construction of the Sea and Salt Museum on the slope of the Upper Era, as well as the construction of an open-air auditorium on the surface that is currently occupied by the Marina Internacional dry dock.

Among other projects, the initiative is complemented by the redevelopment of Faleria Avenue, the current Maestro Velero promenade, and a portion of the Vista Alegre promenade, as well as a verdant area over the future museum.

Remains of archaeological significance

The City Council commissioned an archaeological investigation of the subsoil of the Ice Factory in the event that it uncovered any intriguing remains, such as the fort and watchtower that gave the city its name. Arpa Patrimonio, the corporation that the municipality directly commissioned for these excavations under a minor contract, reported the discovery of no significant remains. The team of specialists in the region did, however, identify that the building’s distinctive wooden roof is in a state of disrepair and has collapsed in certain regions.

Thirty-one million euros

All of these projects, which are collectively valued at €31 million, are currently on pause due to the necessity of obtaining a public domain concession from the Generalitat Valenciana (Generalitat Valenciana), the administration responsible for the port’s public domain. The City Council’s formal request for this concession has made it accessible to the public. This is an exception to the Ice Factory, which is not under the jurisdiction of the Consell.

Therefore, they are commencing immediately. Because the Municipal Theatre has hosted the International Habanera and Polyphony Competition for the past three years, the municipality prioritised the construction of the auditorium in addition to renovating the ice factory. The theatre will also host this year’s competition at the end of July.

Additionally, the City Council anticipates receiving a portion of the ERDF funds, although funding is only partially guaranteed.

An ambitious proposal that encompasses over 60 events for all audiences was unveiled this morning: Torrevieja’s Cultural Programme for the months of May to August 2025. The presentation was headed by Antonio Quesada, the Councillor for Culture; Manuel Esteban Moreno, the coordinator of the Joaquín Chapaprieta Municipal Institute of Culture; and Lalo Díez, the Director of Culture of Torrevieja.

Entertainment options for all ages, including musicals, concerts, theatre performances, ballet, comedy, and festivals, will fill the summer calendar. By providing a high-quality programme at its primary facilities, the Municipal Theatre and the International Auditorium, the city is fortifying its dedication to culture.

This is evidenced by the attendance figures, which have continued to increase since the beginning of 2025, with over 60 events occurring in the first four months of the year. March was a record-breaking month, with 21 introductory sessions and 14,000 attendees, resulting in a total of over 24,000 attendees by the beginning of April.

The Culture social media platforms are experiencing continued expansion, with 11,223 followers on Facebook and 7,290 on Instagram. In Torrevieja and the surrounding area, as well as in other countries like Sweden and the United Kingdom, 297,000 individuals viewed content on these social media channels last month.

The programme will commence with a bang with the premiere of “The Physician.” From April 25th to 27th, the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre will host a musical adaptation of Noah Gordon’s bestseller. The production is expected to captivate Torrevieja audiences, as it has already garnered eleven BroadwayWorld Awards and five Music Theatre Awards, and has been a critical favourite during the 2018-19 season, with a total of over 300,000 spectators. Additionally, it has performed in Madrid for two consecutive seasons.

In May, the Europa 2025 Gala and the Royal Film Concert Orchestra’s tribute to Williams, Zimmer, and Morricone will commence. “El Monaguillo,” which has already sold out a significant portion of its tickets, will return to Torrevieja. Two events that are certain to be sold out in the upcoming weeks.

The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra (OST) will present its concert of “Mozart and Spanish Music” on the local side. The following day, Shani Ormiston will perform an intimate concert at the Municipal Theatre to introduce her new EP, “Vital.” The “Divas” tributes, which showcase the finest performances of legendary vocalists including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Lady Gaga, will return a week later. This will be followed by the “Me cuesta tanto olvidarte” tribute to the iconic Spanish pop band Mecano.

Sabor & Cultura, an intimate experience that integrates gastronomy, wine, and music within the Teatro Municipal, will continue in May. The following events will take place throughout the month: “La Función Que Sale Mal,” a comedy that has captivated over 450,000 spectators in Madrid and is currently in its sixth successful season; “La Colección,” featuring the renowned actor José Sacristán; the Tribute to Copla and the Pasodoble by the band Los Salerosos; and the highly anticipated concert by the rising star Marta Santos, whose final tickets are already selling out.

Our city will commence June with the arrival of one of the most iconic musicals in history: The Phantom of the Opera. This production commences its eagerly anticipated Spanish tour with a stop at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on June 6, 7, and 8, following its enormous triumph in Madrid, where it captivated over 160 million viewers in 21 languages in approximately 195 cities worldwide.

The upcoming month will feature a double performance by comedian Galder Varas at the International Auditorium, which is also on the brink of selling out; the 15th Festival de la Copla, which is organised by the Andalusian Cultural Association of Torrevieja; and the return of another Candlelight session, which will showcase classical music by candlelight.

Antoñito Molina, a singer-songwriter from Cádiz, will appear in Torrevieja at the end of June to perform an unforgettable show as part of his “Me Prometo” tour. In addition, he will be participating in numerous performances that will showcase the talents of the local community, including a concert featuring the Barcelona Clarinet Players and the Unión Musical Torrevejense.

The month of July is brimming with local talent, including the 30th Habaneras Night on the Beach, the Mario Bustillo Orfeón de Torrevieja, and concerts by the Francisco Casanovas Flute Orchestra.

The Musical Society of the City of Torrevieja “Los Salerosos” will organise the XIII International Festival of Music Bands of the City of Torrevieja and the V National Festival of Youth Bands, which will feature the participation of national entities from Callosa de Segura, Paiporta, Catarroja, and Torrevieja. The event will subsequently continue with another Candlelight.

But as every year, the biggest event in July will be the 71st International Habanera and Polyphony Competition, from July 20th to 26th, where choirs from around the world will perform the most iconic habaneras. As a major highlight, the opening gala will feature Sole Giménez, one of the most iconic voices in Spanish music.

The month will conclude with the return of the Reggaeton Beach Festival, which will transform Torrevieja into the urban music epicentre for two days. The festival will feature artists such as Justin Quiles, El Alfa, and Chencho Corleone.

The “Solera, Salero y Compás” Festival, which is organised by Casa Andalucía, will hold its third edition in August, the final month of the current season. The VII Chirigota Festival, which is organised by the Chirigota Cultural Association “Los Sangochaos,” will feature four groups of the genre.

The fifth edition of the Brilla Torrevieja festival will also be presented, with confirmed artists such as Camilo, Rels B, Walls, and Luli Pampin, and two more sessions by Candlelight.

Cultura Torrevieja is committed to preserving the city’s reputation as a cultural destination that is a must-see this spring and summer by offering a diverse selection of performances that are sure to captivate all audiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy exciting artistic experiences and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and entertainment. Tickets for nearly all of these activities are available for purchase on the www.culturatorrevieja.com website.

NOTABLE NAMES:

-The Doctor

-The Altar Boy

-Divas

-It’s so hard for me to forget you

-The Function That Goes Wrong

-The Collection, with José Sacristán

-Marta Santos

-Antoñito Molina

-Galder Varas

-The Phantom of the Opera

LOCAL PROGRAMMING:

-71st edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition

-III Festival “Solera, Salero y Compás”

-VII Chirigotas Festival

-13th International Festival of Music Bands of the City of Torrevieja and the 5th National Festival of Youth Bands

The police have dealt a new blow to narcotic trafficking in Alicante. The National Police have demolished a drug sanctuary and an additional residence that served as a “nursery” for narcotics. The city center’s supply source, was located near The Principal Theatre. According to police sources, the operation led to the apprehension of two alleged traffickers, aged 36 and 52. The judge has ordered the remand of the primary suspect in detention.

The anti-drug investigation commenced following the identification of a potential drug retail point in a city residence, from which various narcotics, including cocaine and hashish, were distributed.

In the course of conducting surveillance around the residence under investigation, officers verified that the occupant was engaging in illicit activities within the premises. The occupant used a room in another flat within the same building as a drug depot, storing the majority of the substances to reduce the likelihood of a police raid.

During the operational portion of the investigation, a police operation resulted in the arrest of the primary suspect and the owner of the residence where the narcotics were stored.

Concurrently, a search was conducted, resulting in the seizure of 242 grams of cocaine, 280 grams of hashish, €897 in small bills, and numerous precision scales and instruments for preparing doses.

The local magistrates’ court in Alicante has brought the primary suspect before it and jailed him following police proceedings. Through this operation, the national police have effectively eliminated a significant drug distribution point that supplies the city centre.