A piece of classic public property in the Costa del Sol is being revamped - to the benefit of local heritage and young people in the area.

Marbella’s old Hospital San Juan de Dios is the subject of major refurbishment work, with plans from the local mayor putting a high premium on the historic Costa del Sol building and declaring that it will be fit for ‘cultural use’ by 2011.

Refurbishment work on the Marbella site was delayed for years as local authorities stalled, but now plans to make the most of the building are also providing opportunities for local youth groups.

The Junta de Andalucía local employment workshop has been entrusted with responsibility for the building, looking to renovate it with around 50 apprentice workers.

With a reported budget of around €1 million (£700,000), the workshop group will look to renovate the building over a two year period, providing invaluable experience to the 16-25 year olds taking part in the project.

A renovated Hospital San Juan de Dios put to cultural use will add to Marbella’s prime residential real estate, making it a yet more desirable part of the Costa del Sol to live in.