Construction begins in Cala Ratjada: Opportunity for the harbour or a disruption?

The construction site is alive again — but for whom?

In the early morning, before the first day-trippers with their rolling suitcases clatter along the quay, the air carries the smell of salt, gulls cry and fishermen routinely check their nets. It was in this scene that work recently began on the harbour in Cala Ratjada Inicio de obras en el puerto de Cala Ratjada: ¿oportunidad o molestia?: the Balearic government has released €2.3 million, and a compact multipurpose building with market stalls, storage rooms, a canteen and a sea-facing terrace is planned. The central question remains persistent: are we shaping the harbour for the people who work here — or primarily for those who only visit briefly?

What is planned — and what that could mean in practice

On paper much sounds sensible: structured market areas instead of makeshift stalls, storage space that shortens delivery routes, and a canteen that makes lunch breaks easier for harbour workers. A terrace with a sea view is intended to keep visitors longer. But practical details decide success or frustration: who gets the sales spaces? At what rent? Who is responsible for cleaning and maintenance? And what opening hours will apply — the season’s or the fishermen’s?

The often-overlooked questions

While tourism officials admire renderings, the fishermen ask very different questions: How will trips out to sea be handled during construction? Will there be reliable delivery windows for fresh fish, or will everything turn into an obstacle course in high season? What happens to fish waste and disposal when space becomes tight? And: will the sightlines that characterise the quay be preserved — those little windows onto the water that make every local pause at sunset? Fishermen point to recent events, such as Strong Start to the Gold Mackerel Season in Cala Ratjada – Opportunity or Warning Sign?, that show how quickly activity levels can spike.

These practical questions later determine local acceptance. Someone walking past the construction fences in the morning with wet feet and nets crusted to their hands does not form an opinion based on urban master plans — they need secure exits and quick access to cold storage.

Opportunities — but only with a clear plan

Properly implemented, the project can bring real added value: shorter delivery routes, less chaos through organised loading zones, higher hygiene standards and thus a better reputation for fresh fish from Cala Ratjada. A canteen could help harbour staff avoid searching for a snack in the blazing sun. And a publicly accessible terrace could enliven the harbour — provided it is designed so it does not restrict the movement areas of boats.

It is important that these benefits do not remain mere buzzwords in tender documents, as other regional initiatives make clear; for example Calvià launches €25 million infrastructure program – opportunities, risks and unanswered questions illustrates the scale and complexity of local infrastructure projects.

Risks and practical countermeasures

The risks are clear: noise, lost quay space and, in particular, construction phases that coincide with the high season. A phased build that keeps central exits and loading zones accessible at all times reduces operational disruptions. Quiet working windows (no noisy paving work in the early mornings of the season) and mobile noise barriers are simple but effective measures.

Other pragmatic suggestions: a temporary modular market that channels deliveries during construction; a visible information board at the harbour with current construction plans, closure times and delivery windows; and a permanently appointed working group with representatives from the fishermen, traders, tourism experts and the harbour authority to resolve daily issues quickly. Not to forget: mandatory environmental checks to assess impacts on water quality and marine life — a point often only lightly discussed.

What should happen now

The authority has disclosed the budget, but a reliable timeline is still missing. Transparency would be the best gift now: a detailed phasing plan, a local contact person at the quay and an online calendar for delivery times and closures would greatly improve coordination. This would help fishermen, boat rental companies and visitors plan better — and reduce conflicts in advance.

In the end it's about balance. Between the rattle of bollards, the light breeze carrying the smell of fried fish from the quay, and the noise of construction machinery, a new harbour section could emerge that provides stability. But only if the administration not only pours concrete but also creates rules that respect the daily lives of those who work here.

Those who walk along the quay in the coming months will see: containers, barriers, workers in workwear and perhaps information sheets on café tables. The hope is quiet but tangible: that in the end there will be a place where, after a shift, you can briefly look out to sea without immediately worrying about an exit or a parking space.