NALON ESTUARY

Territory

The continuous transformation of the territory is strongly exemplified at the mouth of the river Nalón, where it meets the Cantabrian Sea. This unique area presents a remarkable blend of natural conditions (topography, estuary, sea, sediment deposit, sky) and human adaptations (infrastructure, urban settlements, industrial heritage), creating a landscape unit of great ecological value. 

Situated on the western edge of the Central Metropolitan Area of Asturias, the region enjoys excellent accessibility by land (train, bus, car), sea (boat), and air (proximity to the airport), making it strategically positioned to benefit more than 850,000 inhabitants.

Analysis of the Past

The examination of historical maps reflects the enormous transformation over the last three centuries. From a natural environment dominated by diffuse edges at the end of the 18th century, it became an almost artificial environment defined by precise edges. After the cessation of industrial activity linked to coal, many human interventions have become oversized and without use.

Strategy 1: RE-NATURALISATION

The general idea that unites all project sites is “re-naturalisation” through targeted actions. This concept goes beyond the mere safeguarding and expansion of water-related habitats; it also revolves around the provision of essential environmental services by prioritising natural processes.

Strategy 2: RE-ORGANIZATION OF ACTIVITIES

Activities are grouped and re-organised to achieve greater efficiency of land use and continuous use throughout the year, promoting mixed use and flexibility.

The proposal suggests to relocate the football pitches. In San Esteban it is moved to “Puerto Chico”, creating an outdoor sports hub (football, swimming, tennis, paddle tennis, volleyball, bowling). In San Juan de la Arena, it is reallocated closer to the urban centre to free up the protected marshland site.

At site C of San Esteban, an architectural complex of an industrial nature is planned, capable of accommodating mixed uses (industrial, fishing, sports, tourism, etc.). A new seafront is created with activities linked to water and nature.

In San Juan de la Arena, the urban front is pedestrianised, giving continuity to the promenade, with leisure and sports activities and a multi-purpose roof. The two towns are linked by a new boat with a cable without an engine that runs on hydraulic current.

Strategy 3: PRESERVATION OF NATURAL HABITATS

The salt marsh habitats of La Xunquera and La Llama beach are restored and recovered. These actions consist of cleaning the areas, relocating power lines and reintroducing native vegetation such as halophytes and sclerophyllous plants and reed beds, among others.
Accessibility will be limited its perimeter, defined by a vegetation and stone fence. QR codes will be installed and a guided service will be offered by experts on foot and by boat for birdwatching. 

Dock of L’Arena. Community Centre

The urban front is pedestrianised with exclusive access for service and public transport with limited speed (zone 30), re-qualifying the public space in front of the fish market, the Nautical Club, the “Puerta del Mar” Interpretation Centre and all the hotel and catering activity.

An amphitheatre-like grandstand is planned, featuring two ramps on its edges for easy access to the water. In addition, the restoration and adaptation of a dredging boat is planned, which will serve as a unique stage, housing a stage or a film projection screen that can occasionally be used as a performance platform in front of the grandstand. To further enrich the offer of the area, a versatile canopy has been designed to host various activities and events.

Shipyard of La Xunquera. Activity Hub

The area is cleared of disordered and scattered buildings, relocating them to a strip of land on the former railway yard. To ensure resilience against future flooding due to climate change and to promote unrestricted animal movement, all the volumes are unified on a platform slightly elevated platform above the ground level. This platform runs parallel to the edge of the dock.

A group of industrial warehouses are planned to accommodate productive activities associated with to port operations and the promotion of green and blue economies. The complex is subdivided into three subgroups in order to reduce its visual scale and to execute it in phases according to its needs.

The rest of the site is re-naturalised for free use and enjoyment for sporting or educational purposes.