To date, the council has granted 11,000 euros in subsidies to establishments located in Plaza España, while the remaining applications are still undergoing administrative processing. This aid is part of a municipal call for proposals totaling 37,000 euros, activated to protect economic activity and employment during the transformation of one of the municipality's main commercial and social hubs.
The call includes aid of up to 3,000 euros for hospitality establishments with terraces and subsidies of up to 1,000 euros for other shops and services. The municipal leadership emphasized its commitment to supporting businesses and hoteliers so that this major urban transformation would be accompanied by direct aid and real support measures.
“"From the very beginning, we committed to supporting our shops and hoteliers so that this great urban transformation would go hand in hand with direct aid and real support measures. We are now entering the final stretch of the works, and the new Plaza España is beginning to show the new urban heart that Onda will have."
The comprehensive remodeling of Plaza España is now facing its most visible final phase, focused on exterior finishes and the installation of key decorative elements. Work is progressing on the execution of new sidewalks around the Municipal Market and the adaptation of the main fountain in the square. One of the project's most emblematic elements is being finalized there: a replica of the historic La Panderola train, integrated into the fountain as a tribute to the collective memory and identity of Onda.
Additionally, the area dedicated to Mafalda will feature a statue of the popular character sitting on a bench alongside comic compositions in tile, becoming one of the most recognizable and photographable spaces in the new square. Local ceramics will also play a prominent role in various parts of the project, including two large murals inside the Municipal Market created by artists from the El Molí Occupational Center, and decorative elements such as artisanal ceramic tomatoes designed by a local artist.
The comprehensive remodeling of Plaza España involves an investment of nearly 3 million euros and is part of the 'Onda RecONecta' Integrated Action Plan, funded by European funds secured by the Onda City Council. The project will create a new climate refuge in the urban center, incorporating improvements in accessibility, re-naturalization, and modernization of public space, consolidating Plaza España as one of the main social, commercial, and tourist meeting points in the municipality.
