Who is Palma's new waterfront boulevard really for?

Who was Palma's new waterfront boulevard actually built for?

In the morning, standing on the new Paseo Marítimo with a coffee in hand, the sea slightly gloomy, a cool breeze and seagulls in the background — it immediately gives the place a different mood. Around 9:00 a.m. there wasn't much going on. You could hear the clinking of tools, the roar of the surf and occasionally the voices of construction workers at the mouth of the Riera stream. The greenery is striking: not sterile beds, but a mix of palms, wild lawns and newly planted shrubs. But the key question remains: for whom was this space really redesigned?

A gain for pedestrians — but not without collateral damage

The city has invested around 40 million euros, and the design comes from Elías Torres. Wide sidewalks, more trees, small playgrounds and a “mini-wood” behind the auditorium are visible. Cars step back, people gain space. That is the stated intention — and it is correct. But: old trees had to give way. For residents who knew those shaded and quieter spots, this is a cut. Young saplings are not an immediate replacement; it takes years for them to provide similar cooling effects and biodiversity. Here a contradiction appears between rapid visible changes and long-term ecological continuity.

What hardly appears in the discussion: the maintenance question

At the moment irrigation hoses lie exposed, provisional pipes run through beds and lawns. That apparently works — but is it the final solution? Underground drip irrigation would be more expensive to install but would save water in the long run and reduce disruption to the cityscape. The choice of plants is a second, neglected point. Many Mallorcans want hardy, native species that tolerate salt and drought. Will maintenance take that into account or will the greenery turn yellow and brown after a few hot summers? Who will pay for replanting then — the city, the port authority or private operators?

Between commerce and community: who gets the spaces?

The opening weekend is planned, with a ten-kilometer run through otherwise closed port areas and many sports offerings. Vendor stalls are announced for squares like Plaza Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Commerce can create lively squares. But it can also lead to overcrowding and a creeping privatization if concessions are awarded without clear criteria. The city should set allocation rules that prioritize local vendors, cultural initiatives and social projects — otherwise the promenade risks becoming a stage for tourist quick fixes rather than an urban meeting place for residents.

Logistics, accessibility and social consequences

The new Paseo slows things down: matte black traffic lights, wider paths and new bus stops shape the scene. But on the edges, for example near the German consulate or close to Avenida Argentina, work is still ongoing. Delivery traffic, resident access and emergency routes are not minor details. The question of how restaurants and shops will be supplied in the future is central. Without clear rules for loading zones and time windows, a patchwork will emerge that burdens residents and increases traffic elsewhere. The same applies to accessibility: ramps and tactile guidance systems must not only be planned but also regularly maintained.

The invisible costs: maintenance, security and monitoring

What is often missing in urban debates are the ongoing costs. Who pays for irrigation, tree care, cleaning and security? An attractive boulevard draws more visitors — that is the goal, but it can also mean higher spending for cleaning and maintenance. At the same time, monitoring is needed: counters for pedestrian flows, the maintenance status of vegetation and noise level measurements would help identify problems early. Such data are not a luxury; they are the basis for sustainable operations.

Concrete proposals: how Palma can make the Paseo future-proof

The construction work is almost finished — now the real challenge begins. Some pragmatic steps could secure success and avoid typical pitfalls:

1. Underground irrigation: Switch to drip irrigation and bury main lines so less visible maintenance is needed and water is saved.

2. Maintenance and biodiversity plan: A binding maintenance plan focused on native, salt- and drought-tolerant species; regular inventories and a budget for replanting.

3. Transparent concession rules: Clear award criteria for market stalls and gastronomy, with quotas for local suppliers and cultural initiatives.

4. Temporary uses and cultural programs: Flexible areas for pop-up art, local associations and neighborhood activities — this creates identity and prevents one-sided use.

5. Delivery logistics and accessibility: Time windows for deliveries, designated loading zones and checklist-based maintenance of ramps and guidance systems.

6. Monitoring and participation: Sensors for visitor flows and regular public consultations so problems become visible early and users stay involved.

Conclusion: beautiful, but not yet a finished recipe

The new waterfront boulevard feels slowed down today. In the mornings there are joggers, retirees with dogs and families. The hanging gardens at the Club de Mar invite people to look up. But beauty alone does not make a sustainable city. What will be decisive is how carefully maintenance is designed, how transparently concessions are awarded and how inclusively the space is used. If that succeeds, Palma will have a lasting asset. If not, the greenery could fade faster than the workers roll up the last hoses — and the Paseo will remain a nice photo but not a lively promenade for everyone.