Palma plans over 3,500 new apartments – what that means for districts like Son Güells.

Large construction project in Palma: numbers and places

The city has given the green light for two new residential areas: Son Güells and Son Puigdorfila Nou. In total, more than 3,500 homes are planned – about 3,000 in Son Güells, around 540 in Puigdorfila. According to the administration, more than half of the units are to be offered at capped prices.

A boost for construction projects

What surprised many: A recently adopted urban planning decree is supposed to significantly accelerate planning and construction procedures. Where ten years were previously estimated, authorities now expect just under two years until completion of the projects. That is ambitious – and makes neighbors nervous.

What is to be built on site

Both areas are not just concrete plans: Green spaces, schools and spaces for public use are planned. That sounds reasonable, but the question remains how quickly roads, water and sewer systems as well as bus connections can actually keep pace. I was at Plaça d’Espanya last week, and a teacher from Son Sardina summed it up: schools on paper help only if there are teachers and spaces available in the next school year.

Typical neighborhood tone: At the market below the cathedral, the debate continued – older residents ask about noise and shadows, young families about affordable housing and quality of life.

Forecasts, opportunities and risks

More housing could relieve pressure on the private rental market – a clear plus. On the other hand, speed is not equal to quality. Quickly built neighborhoods require good traffic planning, enough green space and realistic social infrastructure. Otherwise there is a risk of what we have seen elsewhere: new districts, but without real neighborhood life.

What happens next

The city administration now wants to present detailed project plans and start tenders. Public participation is announced, but often theoretical. My advice to neighbors: keep an eye on dates, attend local meetings and ask questions about traffic, schools and price controls. If the numbers are right, Palma could get urgently needed housing – but the implementation will decide whether the whole thing also functions sustainably.

Conclusion: Great opportunity, tangible changes and justified skepticism. It remains exciting – and loud, depending on how quickly the excavators arrive.