Murcia - Paramount theme park and Corvera airport gather momentum
Last week Alberto Garre, President of the Region of Murcia, said the arrival of the high speed AVE train and opening of Corvera International Airport “in 2015, if possible, would become reality”. Add a 16.28 million euro European Commission subsidy to kick-start investment at Paramount and Murcia is clearly entering a purple patch.
Chris Mercer, Director of estate agent Mercers Ltd, located some ten minutes from the Paramount-branded Theme Park site and 30 minutes from Corvera Airport, says, “Since Murcia was chosen as the location for the Paramount Park back in 2010, the path to realisation has been chequered. Following a symbolic stone-laying ceremony in 2012, and recent small-scale work on access roads and land clearance, the site has been relatively quiet. The focus has been on planning permission, environmental assessment and, most important, attracting foreign investment. Opening dates have been gradually pushed back from 2015 to 2017. Naysayers have had their doubts but a 200-million-euro-plus project in a country emerging from recession was never going to have it easy. At least now the signs are the most positive we have seen for a long time.”
Meanwhile, the race to open Corvera Airport is gathering speed, albeit at the expense of Murcia-San Javier Airport which will close as the new airport opens. All that remains is for the European Commission to give its decision on the legality surrounding Corvera’s loan guarantee, and compensation for San Javier’s closure, a decision which will be heard on 18 December. If all is well, Corvera will open in April/May 2015 and San Javier will begin a 12 to 18 month wind down process. The Spanish airport authority, AENA, has said it will not place any obstacles in the way.
“The timing is pretty good for new Spanish Theme Parks and Airports,” says Chris. “So far, from January to September, Spain has welcomed 52.4 million international visitors, up 7.4% year-on-year, sending the country on the right track for another record breaker. Britain, France and Germany remain the strongest source markets. These figures alone prove the demand is there. Meanwhile, the property market is still enjoying a double whammy of super-low house prices and a strong pound versus euro. This buyer-friendly window is still open, for now at least, until Paramount fever really ignites.”
Last year Mercers’ sales figures were up 60% on 2012 and this year they expect to be up a further 30% on 2013. The Company focuses on highly affordable property – mainly in the 50,000 to 200,000 euro price bracket - all close to beach and golf.
On the Market in Murcia:
ROD166 - Rosa-style Villa, Camposol Golf, Mazarron, Murcia
In pristine condition, this two bedroom, two bathroom (one en suite) detached Rosa-style property has landscaped gardens with a pool, poolside shower, terrace, barbecue and seating area. Up top is a rooftop solarium with lovely countryside views and a shady pergola while inside there’s a feature fireplace with log burner in the lounge as well as a fitted kitchen with all appliances included and a handy underbuild storage beneath the home. Camposol Golf has an 18-hole course and plenty of shops, restaurants and bars on site including an opticians, vets, medical centre, hairdressers and weekly market. The blue flag beaches and marina of Mazarron are within a 15 minute drive.
Price – 127,500 euros (approx 100,100 GBP)
For more information, visit spanishproperty.co.uk.
