The objective of establishing Ripollès as a leading destination for sustainable tourism has driven the rehabilitation of the Colònia Estabanell footbridge, a joint project by the Consell Comarcal del Ripollès and the Camprodon Town Council. This action is part of the Ripollès Tourism Sustainability Plan (PSTR), with a budget of 3.5 million euros, funded by European Next Generation EU funds.
The regional councilor for Tourism Dynamization, Joan Sarria, celebrated the completion of a project that fulfilled a "major demand" from local residents. The footbridge, built in the mid-20th century, was in "very poor condition" and posed a danger. The Mayor of Camprodon, Xavier Guitart, also expressed satisfaction with the importance of this work for Camprodon.
The footbridge is considered crucial for the continuity of the green route between Sant Pau de Segúries and Camprodon, offering an additional attraction for hikers and tourists while promoting decarbonization. This intervention complements the renovation of the facades of the Colònia Estabanell, aiming to create more resilient and sustainable urban centers.
The awarded cost for the footbridge construction was 58,322 euros (VAT included), while the facade renovation amounted to 169,400 euros (VAT included). Together, these two projects total 227,722 euros and were entirely funded by the European grant.
This initiative is part of the Ripollès Tourism Sustainability Plan, which seeks to establish a sustainable, transformative tourism model aligned with the region's rural character, fostering social cohesion and population retention. The plan is fully funded by the European grant, totaling 3.5 million euros.
Other significant projects within the plan include the digitalization of the Colònia Llaudet museum space, an outdoor climbing wall in Ogassa, a park-and-ride facility in Molló, an interpretation center for the Natural Park of the Ter and Freser Headwaters in Setcases, and a motorhome area in Gombrèn. These specific actions will receive 2.5 million euros, with the remaining million allocated to regional initiatives such as tourism promotion, digital marketing, and the development of new tourism products and experiences.
