Plans to begin urban development on the E-3 El Barranco sector in Orihuela Costa have been published for public consultation. The project covers more than 33,000 square metres of land and is intended to prepare the site for a private hospital and a small commercial centre, with earlier proposals for a care home now dropped.

According to the developers, Espiral de Inversiones and Patrimonio e Inmuebles del Sol, urbanisation work could start in April and last around twelve months. Once streets and services are in place, construction of a private clinic with operating theatres is expected to begin towards the end of the year. Talks are already under way with two healthcare companies to build and manage the centre.

The site is close to La Zenia, near the Villamartín road, and most of the land will be used for green spaces, roads and pavements. Promoters say the development will include parks, drainage measures to manage rainwater, and will have minimal impact on traffic. The aim is to provide private healthcare services to an area with around 30,000 permanent residents, a figure that rises sharply during peak tourist seasons.