The Novelda City Council has taken a decisive step towards the commencement of rehabilitation and consolidation works at the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, with the initial coordination visit between the awarded company, Manibus Proyectos, and the technical management. The meeting, held at the Sanctuary itself, was attended by the Mayor of Novelda, Fran Martínez, the Councilor for Historical Heritage, Geno Micó, the Councilor for Urban Planning, Isabel Miralles, municipal technicians, and representatives from the company and technical management.
During the visit, technical and structural issues necessary for the intervention's start were addressed, coordinating preliminary work and actions to initiate a project focused on ensuring the building's stability, safety, and conservation. The commencement of work awaits final administrative procedures, such as the approval of the Safety and Health Plan by the Local Government Board, a prerequisite for signing the site survey verification act that will officially begin the works.
The Councilor for Historical Heritage, Geno Micó, indicated that if deadlines are met, material stockpiling and work initiation could begin soon. The comprehensive intervention includes special attention to the east tower, where cracks will be repaired and deteriorated elements restored, involving the dismantling and subsequent reinstallation of the cross, orb, and pinnacle.
The project also includes ground consolidation through resin injections to enhance subsurface load-bearing capacity and reduce structural movements. Another significant action will be the recovery of the original choir, designed by engineer José Sala Sala, which will connect the two towers and reinforce the building. To achieve this, the current marble base, weighing over 35 tons, will be removed, preserving the monumental organ.
The intervention will conclude with roof repairs, restoration of coatings, ornamental elements, and murals, recovery of original flooring and choir balustrade, adaptation of electrical installations, and the implementation of a lightning protection system. The works, with a budget of 300,000 euros and a five-month execution period, aim to address the Sanctuary's structural problems and restore its heritage elements.
