Local government will plant a layer of grass on the two plots to open it to the public in the summer of 2026
The councilor of Urbanism of the City Council of Gijón, Jesús Martínez Salvador, announced this Monday that they will bring to the Government Board, if not this Tuesday, the next week’s meeting, the call for a non-binding ideas competition for the green beach, in the Rinconín area.
Meanwhile, and until the final project is carried out, a vegetal layer will be extended so that by the summer of 2026 this space, resulting from two plots totaling more than 18,000 square meters (18,479 m2), will be available for the enjoyment of citizens.
This was announced by Martínez Salvador, at a press conference in the Gijón City Council, accompanied by the councilor of Urban and Rural Infrastructure, Gilberto Villoria, and in the presence of the Mayor of Gijón, Carmen Moriyón.
The councilor explained that with this competition, whose final resolution is expected to be obtained within five months from the publication of the call, they want to have the best ideas to develop a place dedicated to cultural, leisure, sports, and recreational activities.
Creativity and innovation of the proposal will be valued. He clarified, however, that the winning proposal will not imply its execution or a service or work contract with the proposer.
Martínez Salvador insisted, in this case, that the objective is to gather ideas to prepare from the City Council the final project for the urban planning and design of the general green areas located in the area where the PERI11A action takes place, or what is called the ‘green beach of Rinconín’.
He also indicated that the project is divided into several phases. The first is aimed at receiving different requests for proposals that take into account solving various city challenges, including creating a new space for enjoyment directly connected to the sea.
Additionally, he pointed out that the two plots, measuring 14,513 square meters and 3,965 square meters, have different qualifications in the General Urban Plan, which must be taken into account.
Furthermore, he proposed a research-oriented competition, aiming to obtain new equipment and services necessary to guarantee and improve the well-being of residents, facilitate access for vulnerable individuals, ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of green areas, as well as the installation of the necessary elements for the indicated purposes, all with a new conception of public space and urban landscape.
He also emphasized that attention will be paid to the management of land uses, to the principles of universal accessibility, equal treatment and opportunities between women and men, mobility, energy efficiency, guarantee of water supply, prevention of natural risks and serious accidents, prevention and protection against pollution, among other conditions.
He also clarified that the current competition allows for proposals ranging from a simple execution and maintenance of green areas to the provision of new public uses.
Constructions that are authorized according to the regulations of the General Urban Plan may also be considered. However, these constructions must be integrated into the landscape. And while the PGO allows for underground parking, as long as the intended use is maintained, he anticipated that underground parking is not initially planned for this space.
Furthermore, cultural, cultural leisure, sports, recreational, and educational facilities are admissible, as long as they maintain the common and general use suitable for their nature in the area classified as a green zone, and according to the PGO, open spaces are the set of spaces and associated facilities intended for the cultural or recreational leisure of the population.
He emphasized, in addition, that these plots are located within the PERI-11A, which has a gross area of 53,400 square meters, so the ideas competition will focus on the best urban design proposal for two of these plots, as we have already mentioned.
As for the competition itself, a budget of 27,000 euros excluding VAT is allocated. Of this money, 15,000 euros will be allocated to the winning proposal, for the first prize, and then there will be three honorable mentions; two of 4,000 euros for the next most voted proposals and another of 4,000 euros that will be allocated to the most voted proposal in the citizen participation process, if it does not also result as one of the winners in the jury’s votes.
Professionals in the fields of urban planning, architecture, or engineering who have the necessary qualifications and are legally authorized to practice their profession, whether national or foreign, may participate in the competition. Each participant can only be part of one team and can only submit one proposal.
The documentation to be submitted on the proposals must include necessary plans and details, also reflected on three DIN A2 format panels, as well as a written report, which must not exceed five pages. This documentation must be accompanied by audiovisual material, with an explanatory video of maximum duration of three minutes. Participants who wish to remain anonymous will be allowed to do so.
Regarding the deadlines, there will be a 46-day period for submitting applications, which can only be submitted electronically.
Once the deadline is closed, the competition will be developed in three phases. The first phase will be the evaluation of the proposals to be admitted, and a second one will be the citizen vote on all admitted proposals, which will be published on the participa.gijón.es website.
According to the councilor, there is a possibility that the proposals will be displayed in a municipal center and that informational sessions will be held beforehand. Those over 16 years of age registered in Gijón will be able to vote. The maximum deadline for resolving the vote will be three days.
As for the final phase, the jury will be chaired by the mayor or the person delegated by her, and will consist of 15 members, representing different council departments. A technician designated by the State Coastal Demarcation, six technicians from each of the municipal groups, and a technician from the College of Architects and another from the College of Civil Engineers, Canals, and Ports may also be included.
Villoria, on the other hand, mentioned that phase 1 will involve spreading a layer of vegetal soil for subsequent planting, ensuring that by the summer of 2026 there will be a green meadow for the enjoyment of citizens.
Additionally, the works resulting from the final project will be undertaken after the summer of 2026, for which a budget allocation will already be included in next year’s budget.
Regarding this matter, Martínez Salvador clarified that currently, the soil filling in that area is linked to the execution of the PERI11A works and is not recommended for use, according to the councilor.
He also mentioned that they hope the green beach will be a reality by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. While he admitted not knowing the cost of the actions, he made it clear that the goal is a quality project that significantly improves the appearance of the city and the urban environment in that area. «Whatever is necessary will be budgeted,» he said.
