We call for a public network of day centres in Alicante

22 July 2026

An essential service for independent living

We call for a public network of day centres in Alicante to serve older people and anyone of any age who needs help with everyday living or is experiencing physical or cognitive decline.

These centres provide professional care during the day, help people retain their independence and let them return home afterwards. They also support families and people who provide day-to-day care.

The latest official figures put Alicante’s population at 366,221. A city this size needs enough places across its neighbourhoods, beyond what one small centre can offer.

Plaza de América is still waiting for a replacement

The day service at Plaza de América closed on 15 August 2025. On 28 May 2026 the full council voted unanimously to ask the city and the Generalitat for an alternative day service within three months. The department for older people said at the time that preliminary plans for a new centre already existed.

We ask for that decision to be acted on before the deadline and for the solution to go beyond replacing the places lost. Alicante needs a publicly owned network under direct public management, as called for by the residents’ petition we support.

Benalúa needs a community centre with day care

The Benalúa Neighbourhood Association has been calling for a community centre with day care for years, to serve Benalúa and nearby neighbourhoods. We support the proposal because it brings care closer to people and keeps families from having to rely on scarce services far from home.

We want the city council and the Generalitat to act together to restore the service that was lost, create new places and establish a lasting network that treats care as an essential public service.