The new Siam Park in Gran Canaria hits more stumbling blocks
Plans to build a new Siam Park in Gran Canaria must address a major practical issue: where the extra water will come from without relying on the existing supply serving nearby homes and hotels.
The proposed attraction at El Veril, near Playa del Inglés, must meet its additional demand through a new desalination facility or by increasing production at existing plants. Desalination turns seawater into fresh water suitable for use.
The requirement forms part of the environmental assessment for the development published yesterday, Tuesday 13th October. It concerns the planned Gran Canaria attraction, rather than the existing Siam Park in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.
How much water would it need?
The development’s estimated water demand is around 3.56 million litres a day, roughly equivalent to the consumption of more than 20,000 residents.
That makes a reliable supply an important part of the project. The plans cannot simply assume that the desalination plants already serving Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés will absorb the additional demand without increasing their capacity.
The assessment also calls for measures to deal with the extra wastewater generated by the development. Collecting and reusing rainwater is another option that should be considered.
For people living or staying in the surrounding resorts, these requirements concern how a major new attraction would fit into an area that already supports homes, hotels and businesses.
Flood protection and road access
Water supply is only one of the issues that must be addressed before the plans can move forward.
The proposed site lies within an area affected by flood risk. Further studies must examine how heavy rainfall could move through the local ravines and drainage channels, including the route towards Playa de las Burras.
The assessment requires the effects of climate change to be considered and asks whether the existing channel needs to be enlarged or other protective measures introduced.
Vice president of the Loro Parque Group, Cristoph Kiessling, presented the project in June 2023. (Image: La Provincia).
Road access is another important consideration. A major water park would bring additional visitors, so the plans must assess traffic and how people would reach the attraction.
The development also includes a proposed hotel with approximately 450 beds, adding to the need to consider its impact on the surrounding area.
What does this mean for the project?
The environmental requirements do not amount to an announcement that the park has been cancelled. Equally, they are not final permission to begin construction.
They set out the issues that must be examined as the plans progress, including water supplies, drainage, traffic, noise and the appearance of the development.
For residents and holidaymakers looking forward to a Gran Canaria version of Siam Park, there is still no confirmed completion date in the information reviewed.
The next stages will need to show how the attraction can be delivered while meeting these requirements and protecting the surrounding communities and coastal environment.
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