Tíjola once again inaugurates a new infrastructure in the municipality. The Food Market, a building that presides over one of the main arteries of the town has been reconverted and now houses a modern infrastructure where the Gonzalo Pozo library, the Guadalinfo centre and several rooms for study, workshops and exhibitions have been officially inaugurated.
The inauguration ceremony of the Centre of Tourist and Cultural Interest ‘Mercado de Abastos’, which took place this Thursday afternoon, was attended by the president of the Provincial Council, Javier A. García, the mayor of Tíjola, José Juan Martínez, provincial deputies and members of the local corporation.
The transformation of the traditional Mercado de Abastos, built in 1973, into a Centre of Tourist and Cultural Interest will allow residents of the municipality and the province to enjoy new facilities in which is located the library named after Gonzalo Pozo, illustrious neighbour and always concerned about his people. The project, which has an investment of almost 900,000 €, has been financed by the Tíjola Town Council, the Provincial Council and the Regional Government of Andalusia, and will take 18 months to complete in two phases.
The president of the Provincial Council, Javier A. García, highlighted his pride as an Almerian to see the growth that Tíjola has experienced in recent years. «This municipality has become a reference in the Almanzora and the whole province thanks to the support of the institutions and the efforts of its mayor and the government team to improve the quality of life of all its residents. In my last visits we have witnessed the development of important works such as the remodelling of the Barrio de San Juan, the new multi-purpose building or the inaugurated Plaza del Grano».
Furthermore, the provincial president assured that Tíjola has as many opportunities and services as its residents deserve: «Tíjola residents are some of the most active residents in the whole province. Proof of this is that they are the only municipality where we have tripled the duration of the Active Ageing Workshops in a pilot experience that is proving to be a success.
Finally, the president added that «both young and old will be able to come to this building to study, read, surf the internet, take classes or have a coffee in the future cafeteria that will be located on the terrace of this modern and innovative centre, unique in the Almanzora region».
For his part, the mayor, José Juan Martínez, thanked the Diputación for its collaboration and commitment to the residents of Tíjola, «once again we have the president inaugurating a new key infrastructure for the municipality. The residents should be proud because the institutional collaboration is making it possible for our town to have the projects we have always dreamed of».
«This building is a symbol for all tijoleños, all of us who have an age, came to buy milk or fish when we were children. Today, thanks to the architect Esperanza Salas, who knew how to capture the idea of functionality and luminosity, it is one of the buildings that, as we have been able to see, is full of life», said the mayor in front of the number of residents who at that moment were carrying out a Memory Workshop and in the adjoining room, the users of the Guadalinfo Centre.
«We continue to work on important projects that will improve the quality of life of the people of Tijoleños and expand the tourist, cultural and leisure offer of the municipality. This centre is a reflection of our commitment to our history. Its adaptation will allow people of any age to make use of these facilities, which are designed for any activity that promotes study and culture».
A bust in memory of an illustrious citizen of Tijola
In addition, the mayor and president unveiled a bust in memory of Gonzalo Pozo in the municipal library. Pozo was a philosopher and professor who actively collaborated with the Instituto de Estudios Almerienses and a neighbour of recognised prestige for all the people of Tíjole. He passed away in 2014. Relatives of Gonzalo Pozo took part in the event.