Polygons, business zones, and the Modernization and Management Organization may seek greater support from the Generalitat. The Minister of Economy echoed this sentiment during his remarks at the Industrial Zones Congress in the Valencia Community, scheduled for December 13 and 14 in Alicante and organized by Feval.
Specifically, polygons associated with the Modernization and Management Organization may be eligible for a grant of up to one million euros to improve containment, compared with a maximum of 200,000 euros for those coordinated through other models or without any association. The program aims to drive this level of investment, which was created in 2018 to promote modernization and adaptation of business spaces to the new reality.
A notable progress to date shows that 12 polygons have been connected under this initiative, as the director general of Ivace explained across the autonomous community, with three located in the Alicante province. The polygon in Alcoy, Grenadine in San Isidro, and the latest development in Alicante have joined, while several more are in various stages of progress throughout the region.
143 million in aid
The minister recalled that since 2015 the Generalitat has allocated 143 million euros to subsidize actions aimed at improving the Community’s industrial areas and autonomous budgets, with an additional 40 million expected in the next fiscal year. This marks a significant shift, since traditional investments in these districts often focused on municipal buildings, as the administrations with governing powers note.
Participants at the Industrial Zones Congress were reminded that Fepeval contributed to highlighting the creation of this governance model, which simplifies management of polygons by requiring only a 51 percent quorum of property owners and the relevant city council. This structure helps prevent holdouts from causing delays or driving up costs for other landowners, while encouraging ongoing dialogue with councils to guide investments.
Head of Fepeval emphasized that the formation of this framework aids management of polygons, since it reduces the risk of deadlock when property owners and councils cooperate. The aim remains to keep dialogue open and to minimize extra costs for residents involved in conservation and development projects.
Sustainability
Fepeval’s vice president and president of the Las Atalayas conservation group noted that after the initial momentum that led to the first EGMs, the next congress will explore new directions to modernize and transform industrial sites into thriving commercial zones. The goal is a genuine revolution in how these spaces function and contribute to the economy.
Superblocks and no roundabouts for the new Las Atalayas industrial zone
The majority of discussions during the sustainability roundtables focused on boosting the competitiveness of companies housed in these enclaves. Ideas include creating shared electricity self-consumption facilities through local energy communities and developing mobility plans that ease the commute for workers and residents alike.
A spokesperson from the Alicante Promotion Council underscored the importance of raising Ivace subsidies to one million euros to unlock the necessary investments for adapting these areas to the current needs and realities.
Overall, the path forward centers on coordinated governance, robust funding, and forward-looking urban and industrial planning that aligns with broader sustainability and growth objectives across the region. Cited authorities emphasize ongoing collaboration with councils, landowners, and industry players to ensure that modernized industrial zones can evolve into vibrant engines of local economies.
[Citation: Generalitat Valenciana, Ivace, Fepeval, and Feval communications; industry congress proceedings, December 2024]