Palma´s Plaza España to be given a new look

by Irene Taylor
THE Palma city council plans to give the Plaza España a new look, which involves surrounding the statue of King Jaume I with a pond, improving lighting and dedicating one corner to architect Gaspar Bennàssar (responsible for the bullring and the S'Escorxador cultural centre). Plans were revealed yesterday by deputy Mayor Marina Sans, who said that work will cost more than 448'000 euros and will start early next year.
The square will not be closed to pedestrians while work is in progress.
Changes will be made to the flower beds and some of the trees will be replaced, probably with palm trees, she said.
Lighting will be improved with six new spotlights, and the paving will be given a special treatment, to prevent people from slipping. She said this treatment is now being tried out in the Plaza Santa Eulalia. The corner dedicated to Gaspar Bennassar will be next to the weather station, and its design will be different to the rest of the square. It will include four period benches, designed by Bennassar and removed from the square three years ago, last time it was remodelled. The square plays a central role in the celebration of the conquest of the city every December 31, and Sans assured that the remodelling would be completed before that.