Renovation works have commenced to adapt the central building of the former Lucena railway station for use as a tourist hostel. The project, with an estimated execution period of nine months, will create accommodation for individuals traveling the Vía Verde and the Camino Mozárabe de Santiago, as well as for youth, school, or sports groups.
This initiative is part of Lucena's Integrated Action Plan (PAI) and is co-financed by the European Union through FEDER funds. The project includes the rehabilitation and adaptation of the property, which will feature a capacity of 34 beds distributed across six rooms of varying sizes.
The new facilities will comprise a reception and tourist information area, an office, a kitchen, a laundry room, and a space for a social lounge and dining area. Dormitories will be located on the upper floor, adapting the building, which dates back to 1891, for tourism-related use.
The mayor of Lucena, Aurelio Fernández, accompanied by the Councilor for Public Works, Javier Pineda, and representatives from the awarded company, Sabán Construcciones, highlighted that the hostel addresses the accommodation needs for the area's routes, particularly for pilgrims and cycle tourists, and will also host youth and school groups.
Fernández noted that the hostel, located near Parque Europa, will "offer another tourist resource for our city," linked to the Vía Verde and the Camino Mozárabe, which are gaining popularity and leading to an increase in pilgrims seen in the center of Lucena.
Concurrently with the renovation works, the City Council is evaluating management models, with a concession to a private company being the initial consideration. The procurement of furniture and other necessary equipment for the opening will also be finalized, as these are not included in the current construction contract.
