No new shopping centres in Mallorca

MALLORCA government has approved a law suspending the creation and extension of shopping centres on building and rural land.

The transitional law will remain in place until June 2017 when the approval of the Sectorial Plan for Commercial Facilities is due to take place.

The island’s Head of Territory and Infrastructures, Mercedes Garrido, said she hoped the plan would receive support so it can remain in place and be put into effect by town councils.

The law also limits commercial areas of more than 700m2 used for exhibiting and selling goods on urban land. Showrooms of less than 2,000m2 selling motorised vehicles, machinery, boats, planes, furniture and building materials are exempt.

Garrido said the aim is to avoid shopping malls and boost local commerce which “helps to keep cities alive.”

Meanwhile, plans for a commercial area in Palma Port have been abandoned, according to the President of Port Authorities, Joan Gual, who said that efforts will focus on covering port services.