Footballer Isco to invest in revamp for central Arroyo building

The San Juan building in Arroyo de la Miel has a new investor. Real Madrid midfielder Isco Alarcón has gone back to his roots and purchased the building's top floor as well as a number of ground floor premises.

Although the investment plan is far from definitive, it is understood that the intention is to boost to the local economy by expanding the existing building with the addition of a second floor, creating a new gourmet market and attracting new high-end shops to the area.

Sources close to Isco told SUR that the player is excited to give something back to the area where he grew up.

While the project is still in its early stages, Isco's representatives have already assessed the building, which was built in 1980 and home to some of the area's most popular restaurants, La Alternativa and Casa Emilio.

They have also met with local council representatives regarding the necessary changes to the urban development plan (PGOU) to allow for an additional floor. It is understood that this shouldn't be an issue, due to the public's interest in the project but a potential obstacle could be the building's pillars and whether they can support an extra floor. In the event that they can't, the project would go ahead without an additional level.

Parking

Another key to the project is car parking facilities. For this reason, Isco and his family have expressed their interest in the Pueblosol carpark which has been out of use since its owners, Tremon, had a disagreement with the previous contract holders last year. The car park has a capacity for more than 800 vehicles and is close to the future shopping centre in the centre of Arroyo de la Miel.

Unanimous support

Few projects in Benalmádena have unanimous support but this one appears to have the backing of many businessowners in the area, as well as the mayor.

Víctor Navas (PSOE) said on Wednesday that he believed the project was one of the most significant in the area for years and that the council would speed up the processes to help make this a reality.