Menorca’s Illa Plana to become a sustainable nautical sports centre

The Consell Insular de Menorca has approved a €1.55 million project to rehabilitate the historic 1940 Illa Plana warehouse in the port of Maó. The building will be transformed into a reference centre for light sailing and adapted rowing, also serving local sailing and paddling schools.

The renovation will preserve key heritage features such as the tiled roof, masonry walls and original openings, while adding natural lighting, ventilation, and integrated photovoltaic panels to improve energy efficiency. Three prefabricated wooden modules will provide changing rooms and services, and extensive works will upgrade safety, hygiene and accessibility.

The initiative is part of the “Menorca Biosphere Reserve – Zero‑CO₂ Tourism” plan and is co‑financed by the Spanish State Secretariat of Tourism, the Balearic Government and the Menorca council. The centre will replace the current use of the building by the Club Náutico Villacarlos and the Balearic Federation of Paddling, aiming to boost sustainable sport tourism on the island.