Works on Rincon de la Victoria’s long-awaited new health centre will begin between late October and early November, Andalucian government officials have confirmed.

The contract has now been signed with Constructora San José. The project is valued at about €15 million and is co-financed with European FEDER funds. Construction is scheduled to last 21 months.

New announcement made by regional big-wigs

The announcement was made by regional minister Antonio Sanz at a police patron-saint event, together with mayor Francisco Salado. Sanz said the last administrative step is complete and machinery will be on site “within a few weeks.”

The new complex will stand on council land in Huerta Julián, a plot handed over by the town hall. It will cover about 7,600 square metres, what is roughly four times the size of the current centre on Avenida del Mediterráneo.

That older building was designed when Rincon had little more than 15,000 residents. The town now has more than 50,000 registered inhabitants and close to 100,000 people in summer, leaving the existing surgery overcrowded, with long waits and limited space for staff.

What the new health centre will contain

The new centre will include a full emergency unit, 44 medical and nursing consulting rooms, two multipurpose rooms and ten paediatric rooms. It will also offer rehabilitation, basic radiology, dentistry, minor surgery and mental health services that currently force many patients to travel into Malaga city. Around 80 parking spaces are planned for users and staff.

The town hall paid for the design, awarded in 2023 to San Cecilio Studio and Fresneda & Zamora Arquitectura. Neighbours and all political groups had pressed for years for the project to move forward.

Salado said the start of the health-centre works will coincide with another major local scheme: a fifth secondary school in Parque Victoria, already awarded for €7.7 million. Together, he said, the two projects answer long-standing demands created by the town’s rapid growth.

If the timetable holds, the new health centre should open in 2028.

Almuñecar is preparing to travel back to the 16th century as the Costa Tropical town celebrates 500 years since Carlos the fifth and his mother, Juana the first of Castile, granted it its coat of arms.

A two-month programme called “Almuñecar, luz de un imperio” (light of an empire) starts on October 6, the anniversary of the royal grant in 1526. Events will bring local history to life through exhibitions, archaeology, a historical parade and heritage activities.

Exhibitions open the celebrations

Two exhibitions will open on October 6 until October 31. “Manuscritos de Almuñecar: 500 años de una ciudad viva” will present some of the most historic documents from the town, while “1516: El viaje de Carlos de Habsburgo e Isabel de Portugal a Granada” gives the exhibition its historical setting.

All the material comes from collections including the University of Granada, the Real Chancillería, Granada Provincial Council and Almuñecar Town Hall and shows a very special background to this historic town.

Official Andalucian records confirm that the town has used the same coat of arms dating from the 16th century, with the 1526 royal document allowing it to be displayed on the town’s standard and seal.

Historical events through October and November

History takes centre stage on October 17 and 18 with the XIII Archaeology Conference. October 17 features a historical parade recreating the delivery of Almuñecar’s privileges.

October 24 brings the Noche de las Velas, illuminating the town as it would have been hundreds of years before, while October 24 and 25 offer “Un paseo por la historia”, taking visitors on a stroll through parts of the town’s most important heritage.

Late October includes a commemorative flag raising and insignia ceremony.

The programme finishes from November 13 to 16 with the Emperor Carlos V Route, linking Almuñecar with Yuste and the emperor’s history.

For visitors and residents, the programme offers plenty of ways to discover why this Granada coast town still carries a story that began five centuries ago, with events taking place across October and November for locals and visitors.

Periana will host its seventh Caminata con Esperanza charity walk on Sunday, October 4, for the Esperanza breast cancer association.

Starting at 10.50am, the event is organised by Periana Fitness and is open to people of all ages and abilities. Participants can walk or run at their own pace, supporting people affected by breast cancer, their families and loved ones in the Axarquia.

Event organisers had already recorded 643 registrations when it was presented last week, although anyone wanting to take part can still join on the day.

Music and a charity party

Once the walk finishes, Periana will keep the celebration going until the evening with a charity party featuring music, dancing, a raffle and a bar raising funds for the cause.

Local performers include the Caminos de Olivares choir, the San Isidro Panda de Verdiales, the Virgen del Carmen retirees’ association, dance groups led by Abraham Ortiz, DJ Jose Moreno, José Dance and performers providing a bachata show.

A group from the Peña Caballista will also lead the route, while businesses, volunteers and neighbouring municipalities including Alfarnatejo, Almáchar, El Borge and La Viñuela are supporting the day.

Supporting Esperanza

Association president María Ramos said the event is also intended to call for more resources for breast cancer research and greater support for people affected by the disease.

Esperanza, a non-profit organisation based in Velez-Malaga, provides psychological and social support, information, awareness activities and other services for people with cancer and their families. The association has also received funding to support cancer patients in rural Axarquia.

This year’s event artwork and T-shirt feature the Fuente or Pila de la Lomilleja, a local heritage site that has recently been restored. Designer Milagros Zamora said the choice was intended to give participants a small reminder of Periana to take home.

October 4 will be a chance to get active, meet neighbours too and support a local organisation locally helping people through cancer.