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7-million-euro project for major kart and motor racing circuit in Lorca
A fully equipped venue is planned for Lorca with the option of holding large concerts and other events
A new project has been unveiled in Lorca to invest 7 million euros in the creation of an international kart racing circuit, complete with ancillary businesses and services, the intention being to make Lorca a hub of international prestige in the motor racing world and the field of active tourism.
The karting circuit will be of certified International Karting Commission and International motor Racing Federation standard, but the project as a whole also includes the possibility of holding competitions, concerts, congresses, fairs, exhibitions and other activities at a modern, safe and sustainable venue. The design includes energy efficiency features and the location will be in an industrial area of Torrealvilla, close to the city of Lorca and the A7 motorway, alongside the RM-711 road to Caravaca and just under 7 km from the city centre.
Promoters Tecno Machinery Levante S.L. are using a plot of 32 hectares for the new facility and the kart racetrack is to be 1,630 metres long, with a training track also foreseen as well as green areas and a large chill-out garden. There plans also show a car and motorbike track of 2,380 metres, parking for approximately 600 cars, bikes and motorhomes and a main building with kart hire service, café-bar and an events room.
Race features include two pitstop buildings, stands for spectators, a leisure area with swimming pool, a motoring museum and a training centre, and there will be ample space for hotels, restaurants and shops.
Earliest completion dates are May 2027 for the track and main building and December 2028 for the other areas and facilities.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Among these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish quarter of the castle and synagogue, Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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