Hugo Marques Leads Urban Planning and Election Bid
Hugo Marques, the current councillor for urban planning in the Machico City Council, is also the Socialist Party (PS) candidate in the upcoming municipal elections. As part of his work and campaign, he has presented a new campsite project planned for the Caniçal area.
“5-Star-Level Infrastructure”: Two Platforms Planned for Tents and Camper Vans
The project proposes the creation of two distinct platforms:
one for camping tents
one for camper vans
Marques explained that the natural conditions of the land support this structure. He noted that campsites today can offer high-level infrastructure - in his words, "even 5-star-level infrastructure" - and this project would bring added value to the area while allowing for proper regulation.
Keep in mind that nowadays, campsites can attract five-star-level infrastructure. So, we are able to give this space new features that add value overall and help regulate its use.
Hugo Marques, RTP Madeira
Not Free to Use: Campsite Will Be a Paid Service
Marques clarified that the campsite will not be free. Users will have to pay, and the facility is expected to generate income for the municipality. He also pointed out that having a designated and regulated site will help limit informal and unregulated camping elsewhere in the region. “In other places I won’t allow it, but here I do,” he said, referring to the need for structured management.
We are available to carry out the project and its execution. We are negotiating how the government might allow us to use the land — perhaps by granting surface rights — so the project can move forward.
Hugo Marques, RTP Madeira
Council Ready, But Land Belongs to Regional Government
Although the project is being driven by the Machico council, the land is owned by the Regional Government of Madeira. Marques stated that the council is prepared to handle both the planning and construction, but must negotiate legal terms with the government. One option under consideration is a surface rights agreement, which would give the municipality the right to use the land without owning it.
Unused Site Located Next to Football Field
The proposed site lies next to the Caniçal football field. Currently, the land is not really used and is described by Marques therefore as minimally appealing. He believes the campsite would improve its condition and make the area more valuable to the community.
Source: RTP Madeira
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