It's a similar story elsewhere. There are few people around. Concerts and shows at the Auditorium continue to pull in audiences, but businesses are otherwise suffering. They understand the need for renovation but fear the impact of the work - completion of the remodelled Paseo Marítimo is scheduled for October 2024. Some, like Luis Recoveni, are looking at ERTE; others will try and hold out. Meanwhile, and in general, revenue is down around 50%.
José Antonio Sánchez, who runs Pad Thai Wok, a franchise that has another branch in Plaça Espanya, says: "This is so wrong. I'm not complaining about the work, which was necessary, but we've just recovered from the pandemic and now this ... . And I'm one of the least affected. Luckily I can work with delivery orders. These will save us. But there are no parking spaces here and it will be difficult to last 22 months."
Some places have opted to close, to take holidays or to undertake refurbishment. The odd 'se traspasa' sign has appeared as has one saying "we'll be back next season". Hotels like the Palma Bellver and the Palma Marina are open; others are waiting until Easter.
At the Sa Cranca restaurant, Francisco Coca explains that last Wednesday they had one table occupied. On Tuesday, there were two, both with two diners. He speaks from experience, as the establishment has been open for over thirty years. February is always quiet, "but I've never experienced this downturn".
His takings are down 60 per cent compared with February last year. "We're waiting to see if there's any help or if we'll have to do an ERTE." The worst aspect, he stresses, concerns the employees. "They have families, mortgages, rents ... . We have to put up with whatever it takes. The project is going to be great, but if we can't work, some businesses will go under."
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Blame the Sahara for the dust. Wet it down . Usually works
Shock horror, major work causes some dust and disruption! Please show me anything similar that didn't have these problems. As long as the businesses get some compensation in the short term. They will be the big winners in the long term. Most of the people who moan about stuff like this are dinosaurs that can't stand any change and lazy motorists who think they have the god given right to park on the doortstep of wherever they want to go. Park up, get out and walk! And like calle Nurraduna, you won't hear a word out of all the whingers when the work is finished and they see how much better things are.
Lets face it, the Paseo was a let down and eyesore of Palma, something had to be done. Ten out of ten to those who had the foresight to make this happen as it will be a jewell in the crown for Mallorca. Now the city must get behind those businesses who are stuggling thro no fault of their own, they need support 'now' to help carry this project forward and be part of this exciting future.
Anyone with a bit of Foresight could see this disaster coming now it’s here going to be one hell of a summer wait for that no parking and Dirt All over the town when the sea breeze comes in ,where is the Fearless Government they are buzy beating the No tourist Drum for the Election , my God feel for the people with shops down there they will have to close !
You there Zoltan?