In Torredembarra, the outgoing mayor Vale Pino is preparing to hand over the mayoral chain to Raúl García of ERC on 8 June, after two years in office. Pino, who took office in June 2024, has reflected on his time leading the council and the main projects under the coalition government.
Speaking to Diari de Tarragona, Pino said being mayor is an honour he will carry for life. He described his style as empathetic, based on listening to residents and giving councillors room to develop their own projects, while also stressing the value of shared leadership.
He said he is satisfied with the coalition agreement between PSC, ERC and Junts, and added that stability matters because internal problems are felt by the public. Pino also said the government’s line has remained the same, even though different people have taken on the mayoralty during the term.
On delivery, Pino said the Municipal Action Plan is about 70% complete. He pointed to projects he believes will shape Torredembarra, including the new swimming pool, the planned Primary Care Centre, for which access routes have already been cleared, and a new police station. He also cited the redevelopment of the former slaughterhouse, known as the Escorxador, and plans to turn the old town hall into a centre for popular culture.
Other work includes the reconversion of the N-340 road and the impact of the Neighbourhood Law on the action plan. On the Alfa i Omega project, Pino said three proposals were sent to the ministry, one was chosen, and the scheme is now ready for tender once environmental approval is in place. He said the new Alfa i Omega will follow the original design.
Pino also said Torredembarra is aiming for 20,000 residents, with housing developments, land transfer to the Generalitat for affordable housing and a new registration campaign among the steps being used. He noted that many people live in the town without registering, even though they use local services, and said the population triples in summer. He added that reaching 20,000 residents would bring more income and staff for the council, and he expects that milestone to be reached in the next mandate.
Elsewhere, the council plans to introduce the tourist tax surcharge, although the timing has not been set. Pino also gave an update on waste collection, saying the new contract will bring closed containers and door-to-door collection in some areas, and that the overall situation has improved. On the proposed auditorium, he said the council is consulting cultural professionals, with €1 million from the Generalitat and €460,000 from the Diputació already secured. The building would be publicly funded, while its operation could involve a mixed public-private model. More local news
