The abrupt halt of the underwater museum construction in Manacor came as an unexpected blow to local residents and businesses. The project, which promised not only to boost the economy but also to restore the marine ecosystem, was canceled due to permitting issues and bureaucratic hurdles. For a region where tourism and the sea are vital, this decision means the loss of new jobs and a unique development opportunity.
Manacor authorities, with support from the Més Esquerra coalition and the independent Porto Cristo group, had planned to create a vast underwater archaeology park. At the heart of the idea were four exact replicas of historic ships that were meant to serve as an artificial reef and attract divers from across Europe. Two million euros from European funds had been allocated to the project, which was promoted as the first of its kind in the Mediterranean.
Plans and Expectations
From the outset, the initiative sparked enthusiasm among local residents and professional divers. In the Porto Cristo area, many hoped the underwater museum would become the city’s new symbol and help revive marine life affected by fishing activities. The plans included not only recreating the 20-meter-long ses Llumetes ship, but also setting up a breeding area inside for rare species, including seahorses. This was expected to attract researchers and students, as well as drive the development of eco-tourism.
In addition, the project included the creation of additional modules to support marine life and carry out scientific research. Authorities hoped that Manacor would become a model for other coastal cities, and that the influx of tourists would help address employment issues in Porto Cristo. According to El confidencial, a similar museum exists only in Lanzarote, making the Manacor project truly unique for Spain.
Bureaucratic hurdles
However, implementation faced numerous difficulties from the very beginning. Obtaining permits from various agencies was delayed, and the safety and environmental requirements turned out to be more complex than anticipated. In January, authorities even presented the project at the Fitur tourism fair, but by February it became clear: deadlines were shifting and approvals could not be secured on time.
The municipality admitted that the idea was too ambitious for the available resources and timelines. According to officials, the project depended on decisions from other bodies, and the necessary technical reports did not arrive on time. As a result, authorities announced the termination of the work and promised to reallocate European funding to other initiatives, without disclosing details.
Reaction and consequences
The cancellation of the project sparked a wave of criticism from residents and business representatives. Many believe the authorities failed to fully explain the reasons for the project’s failure and ignored the interests of Porto Cristo, where locals were counting on new jobs. The local Partido Popular branch stated that the decision was a blow to the city’s economy and image, and cast doubt on the administration’s ability to implement large-scale projects.
At the same time, municipal officials assured that there would be no return of European funds and that new proposals would be presented soon. However, the lack of specifics has only intensified frustration and concern among residents, who fear that Manacor has missed the opportunity to become a hub for cultural and ecological tourism in the Balearic Islands.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly seen high-profile cases of major infrastructure projects canceled due to bureaucracy and coordination difficulties. For example, in Valencia and Alicante, several initiatives to create new tourist attractions were frozen because of prolonged procedures and interdepartmental disputes. Such cases show that even with funding and public support, administrative barriers can become insurmountable obstacles to regional development.
