The city of Alicante has been honoured with two awards from the Federation of Public Works of the Province (FOPA) for its innovative projects. The awards were presented during a ceremony held at the Auditorio de la Diputación (ADDA) on 21 October 2026.
Alicante's mayor, Luis Barcala, accepted the Special Jury Mention for the redevelopment project of the Explanada de España, an iconic promenade lined with palm trees. This project aimed to eliminate the so-called 'dead end' to enhance the continuity of the Explanada and create a large pedestrian plaza featuring two illuminated fountains, which will also host cultural and recreational activities.
Meanwhile, the city's Councillor for Housing, Carlos de Juan, received the Public Award for the El Portón housing project. This building, which offers 15 social rental homes aimed at young people, was selected through a public vote involving over 3,000 participants, competing against 14 other projects in the province, including the recent renovation of the Centro 14 in Alicante.
The El Portón project is recognised for its role in urban and social regeneration in a complex topographical area of high heritage value, located on the slope of Mount Benacantil, at the boundary between the Old Town and the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
Other awards from the 18th FOPA gala included the Best Work award for the viaducts on line 9 of the TRAM in El Algar and Mascarat, and the Best Integration award for the Vía Verde de La Cantera, also located in Alicante.
