History Of Calahonda Park

The ‘First Dig’ for Calahonda Park was back in 1983 when a local Developer, Prieto and known as Calahonda SA,  was promoted to build “Holiday Homes for the English in Spain”. This was subsequently advertised in North London in the UK.  The Promoters were two English Brothers, Michael and Danny Whiddon, who at that time were promoting developments on the Costa del Sol, an area of Spain which was just beginning to take off as a holiday resort (formerly known as the Windy Coast/Costa del Viento).

 The first block to be built was Blq A, followed by Blq B and, due to their Spanish styling and workmanship, the apartments were soon selling. It was promoted by organised “Inspection Fights” from London to Malaga

The next block to be built was Blq E followed later by Blq D.

Sadly, the development proved not to be straightforward and many problems ensued in regard to apartments deemed to be fit for habitation but which lacked painting, completion of electrics, plumbing and basic requirements. together with lifts which did not materialised until 1989. The development seemed to be thwart with problems and it became obvious to those who had committed themselves to purchase, and in order to preserve their deposits, that it was essential to get together and organise a Committee of Owners in order to get completed those incidentals which should have been part of the original Contract. The Community of owners was formed with Tony Lamb as first President. This enabled him as head of the Community of Owners to negotiate with the Promoters on behalf of owners with the Developer for the completion of the various matters in issue.

The original development should have had 7 blocks but in 1985, after the development of Blqs A, B, D & E the Developer fell into difficulties and became Bankrupt, which meant that the land destined for Blq’s C & F was taken by the Bank, together with the land below Blq D to recompense for lost taxes (this land was subsequently claimed back by the Community and  upon which rates still have to be paid).

Unfortunately, the site had ill-advisably been built in an arroyo (dry stream) and consequently during the annual rainy season the surface water poured through the ravine and out through the tunnel under the then arterial road N340 to the sea and with it took an enormous   amount of soil and rocks away with the water.  This was disastrous and affected all power supplies

 By 1990 many projects were necessary to preserve the site of Calahonda Park and the original development by Prieto, but funding was very low and further  problems lay ahead with the expansion of the N340 which ultimately took part of the gardens where. Blq G should have been.

The land in the hands of the Bank was subsequently purchased by another Developer and by the year 2000 the erection of Blq F had begun and this followed with Blq C.

The years in between were a struggle for those  owners who had invested in this development but with due diligence and joint co-operation Calahonda Park is as it is today. Those past Presidents, Tony Lamb, Michael Hafferty, John Mence, John Barnes and Derek Brady, with the support of  prudent Treasurers, fought on behalf of the Community of Owners to achieve all that Calahonda Park represents today. This has  also been made possible with the sound legal advice of our current Community Lawyer, Jose Arteaga and professional auditing from our Auditors Fay & Co. Also various Administrators, currently Fisem.