In October, construction began on the sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) required for the development of the park‑and‑ride facility on the municipal plot of El Moralet in Benidorm, where CIVIS CONSULTORES is providing technical assistance during the works. This project forms part of the city’s strategy to integrate nature‑based solutions into mobility and urban planning.
Purpose and Technical Approach
The main objective is to address the shortage of parking areas in Benidorm while applying sustainable urban drainage criteria, as promoted by the city’s Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategy. The design of the car park incorporates:.
• Retention and attenuation basins to manage stormwater.
• Storage, infiltration and evapotranspiration processes to reduce runoff.
• Permeable pavements that minimise soil sealing and allow water to filter into temporary storage areas.
This approach reduces the impact of heavy rainfall, improves resilience to climate change and enhances the sustainable management of the urban water cycle.
Strategic Location and Environmental Integration
The characteristics and position of the site make it ideal for a SuDS‑based park‑and‑ride facility, as it lies in a peri‑urban area that acts as a transition between El Moralet Park and the urban fabric of Avenida de Beniardá. This location supports:
• The creation of a mobility node connected to green infrastructure.
• A reduction in private vehicle use in the city centre.
• Improved environmental integration within a sensitive urban‑natural interface.
Stormwater Management and Climate Adaptation
The installation of the underground drainage and collection network responds to the need to mitigate the effects of torrential rainfall in Benidorm. The system is designed to:
• Capture and attenuate runoff.
• Convey stormwater towards natural drainage channels.
• Reduce the impact of intense rainfall events on consolidated urban areas.
Current Status of the Works
Earthworks are currently underway to shape the future roadways and parking areas, while the main sustainable drainage network defined in the project is being installed across the site. These activities will enable the subsequent phases of urbanisation and the full implementation of the park‑and‑ride facility.
