The long-awaited El Mojón Partial Plan has made significant progress towards becoming a reality. After decades of planning, the urbanisation works have received partial approval, paving the way for the first housing licences in what will emerge as a new city in the municipality of Arona.
Scale of the Project
The El Mojón development, originally approved in 1996 by the Canary Islands Commission for Land Use and the Environment (COTMAC), will span an impressive 972,000 square metres of land between Los Cristianos, Chayofa, and the Hospital del Sur.
- Residential and tourism use: 60% of the land will be allocated for housing, while 40% will cater to tourism, accommodating 9,000 beds.
- Public spaces: The development includes 390,000 square metres of public land, featuring two parks of 26,000 m² each, alongside areas for schools (11,000 m²), sports (15,000 m²), and cultural activities (17,000 m²).
- Infrastructure: The plan designates 245,000 m² for roadways, aimed at enhancing mobility and improving access to the port.
The economic implications are equally ambitious, with an estimated €2 billion in direct investment, potentially rising to €8 billion in indirect investment, and the creation of 4,000 jobs associated with construction and operation.
A Historic Moment for Arona
During a signing ceremony in the plenary hall of Arona Town Hall, Mayor Fátima Lemes characterised the event as “a historic moment,” emphasising that the project “is no longer just an idea but a reality that will transform the municipality.” She stressed the need for a balance between growth and mobility solutions, pedestrian access, and the reinforcement of public services.
The Urban Planning Councillor Javier Baute paid tribute to the late Manolo Barrios, referring to him as “the father of the partial plan.” He underscored the complexity of the “macro files” involved and highlighted that the initiative will support not just the large-scale economy but also small and medium-sized enterprises. While recognising that “challenges will arise, particularly regarding mobility,” he assured that technical solutions are already being investigated.
Public-Private Collaboration
The president of the El Mojón Compensation Board, Miguel Villarroya, praised the collaboration between public and private sectors, expressing gratitude to all parties for their long-term commitment. He reiterated that “this plan is not new,” but rather the culmination of decades of effort and negotiation.
Next Steps: First Licences by Year-End
Following the partial acceptance of the urbanisation works, the council announced that applications already submitted, as well as future ones, will be reviewed, setting the stage for the first building permits to be granted by the end of the year.
The development had been stalled for years, but progress was achieved on 19 February 2024 following an agreement between the Arona City Council and the Compensation Board. This arrangement ensured pedestrian and vehicular connections between the eastern and western zones of the sector and the official reception of the T4 El Mojón Partial Plan works, in accordance with the resolution issued on 1 August 2025.
Outlook
With the construction of the first homes set to commence, El Mojón is on track to become one of Tenerife’s largest urban developments in decades, establishing Arona as a benchmark in the Canary Islands. In the words of Mayor Lemes, “In a few years, we will look back and remember this moment as the beginning of a new chapter for our municipality.”
