Territorial planning at the heart of the strategy. Credit: Onderwijsgek / Creative Commons
Denia was the setting on Friday December 19 for the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Consorci de les Comarques Centrals Valencianes (CCV), held at the town hall and attended by institutional representatives from the regions that make up the consortium. The gathering underlined the growing political and technical momentum behind long-standing infrastructure demands in central Valencia.
Territorial planning at the heart of the strategy
The session was chaired by José Manuel Prieto, mayor of Gandia, and opened with the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. This was followed by a report from the Presidency of the CCV, outlining the strategy to be adopted in response to the current situation of the Territorial Action Plan for the Central Valencian Regions. Members reaffirmed the need for coordinated, balanced territorial planning that responds to the real needs of the area.
University of Alicante partnership approved
One of the key agreements was the approval of a specific collaboration agreement between the Consorci and the University of Alicante. This partnership aims to promote research activities of general interest and will enable a detailed study into improving railway services across the Central Valencian Regions. The research will examine innovative and sustainable traction vehicles, supporting a more efficient, better connected and environmentally responsible mobility model.
Three strategic railway reports announced
According to Prieto, the Executive Committee approved commissioning several reports arising from the agreement with the University of Alicante. These include a demand study for the Xàtiva–Ontinyent–Alcoi railway line, an analysis of the future high-speed AVE station in Xàtiva, and a third report focused on the Gandia–Oliva–Denia rail solution. The latter was described as the most economically significant and the one that defines the preliminary project for the long-awaited connection.
Gandia–Denia link seen as a priority project
The president of the Consorci stressed that this preliminary project will make it possible to present a definitive solution to the relevant administrations. He emphasised that the initiative will be led jointly by the Consorci, social demand and business associations, with the shared objective of making a railway connection a reality that is considered essential for the territory’s economic and social development.
Steps towards a new economic and social council
In addition, the Executive Committee agreed to formally begin proceedings to establish the Consell Econòmic i Social de les Comarques Centrals Valencianes. This consultative and participatory body will include the most representative social and economic agents in the region. Prieto announced that these stakeholders would be convened towards the end of January or February next year to formally constitute the council.
A collective voice for future projects
The new body will focus on the three railway projects as well as other strategic initiatives promoted by the Consorci. Its aim is to strengthen claims for an economic, social and territorial space that the Central Valencian Regions should lead within the wider Comunitat Valenciana. The meeting concluded with an exchange of proposals and reflections, highlighting the importance of reinforcing institutional cooperation and presenting a united regional voice to other levels of government.