La Cuidad Quesada on the Costa Blanca should have been a dream come true for many people looking for a better life abroad. Instead it turned out to be a nightmare.



The Quesada Empire was founded on land ceded to its founder Justo Quesada Sempar by the government of fascist dictator Generalisimo Francisco Franco. It also glazes over the truth that this thriving multicultural community is in fact predominantly British expats living behind gated walls in a gated city.



Perhaps the saddest thing about Cuidad Quesada is that it is not finished and probably never will be. The economic and financial crisis of the 21st century has left property development stagnated, homes abandoned, streets unkempt, dreams unrealised as the harsh reality of the recession drives expats back to their native countries.



These are the realities for many who sought a life in the sun. The experience of the peasants under Franco is now being mirrored in the affluent migrators.