The Transformation of the Malaga Port: New Challenges for Port-City Integration

28 Dicembre, 2024

Introduction

The port of Malaga, with a history dating back to the Phoenician era, has been a key economic driver in the urban development of the city, facilitating trade and relations with other territories across the Mediterranean (Machuca Santa-Cruz, 1997). In the last century, the port has undergone significant evolution, transforming from a hub of commercial and industrial activity into a leisure and recreation space integrated into urban life, thanks to a major urban regeneration process.

The industrial growth of the 19th century accelerated the activity of this infrastructure, located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, which required, for security reasons, its physical delimitation. These barriers not only achieved the physical separation of the port and the city, but also created a psychological barrier that persisted in the public’s imagination until just over two decades ago (Andrade & Peralta, 2015). However, the deindustrialization experienced in the last third of the 20th century, along with the process of port expansion and growth towards the sea, opened the possibility of recovering the port areas closest to the historic city for public use.

The Special Plan for the Port of Malaga, approved in 1998, marked a turning point in the port-city relationship by reimagining the infrastructure as a multifunctional space that combined the expansion of facilities to increase port activity, the traffic of goods, passengers, and cruises, with the recovery of part of the facilities for commercial and sociocultural activities, seeking to integrate the port into the city (Costa et al., 2005). The goal was not only to improve the quality of life for the people of Malaga but also to promote a model of a tourist city that was beginning to take shape among public authorities (López-Bravo & Navas-Carrillo, 2019).

View of docks one and two after the intervention. (Source: Port Authority of Malaga).

Projects such as the open-air shopping center at Muelle Uno and the Palmeral de las Sorpresas at Muelle 2 have not only altered the urban landscape of the city near its historic center but have also transformed areas previously reserved for port activities into spaces accessible for leisure, both for residents and visitors. Landmarks such as the Centre Pompidou Malaga, the headquarters of the Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou in France, the construction of the cruise terminal, and more recently, the marina and megayacht dock, have contributed to Malaga’s evolution as a prominent tourist destination in the Mediterranean.

The significant transformation of the port in recent decades has laid the groundwork for ambitious projects for the future development of the city. Actions that are part of the Special Port Plan, such as the controversial hotel on the Levante dock, the planning of the Heredia dock area (Muelle 4), or the San Andrés platform, along with new challenges and opportunities for urban transformation, such as the so-called Litoral Plan, will redefine the port-city relationship once again.

The Levante Dock Tower: A Controversial Project

One of the most prominent and controversial future projects is the construction of a tower on the Levante dock. This skyscraper, intended to be a luxury hotel, aims to position Malaga as a leading destination for high-end tourism. With a contemporary architectural design, the tower promises to become a new icon for the city and a significant economic and employment driver. The goal is for the tower to help Malaga’s strategy evolve by diversifying its tourism offer and attracting a different market segment from the traditional one.

However, the project has sparked considerable debate. Its height and location would alter the urban landscape and distort the historical relationship between the city and the port (Bernal Santa Olalla, 2028). It could also interfere with the perception of the Farola, recently declared a Cultural Heritage Site. Its focus on luxury tourism could disrupt the residential dynamics of the nearby neighborhoods, limiting local citizens’ access to the coastline, given the clear link between urban renewal and gentrification processes (Fernández-Salinas & Silva Pérez, 2016). Additionally, there is the significant environmental impact associated with constructing a tall building in such a vulnerable maritime environment.

Planning of the surroundings of the eastern breakwater. Modification of the Special Plan of the Port. (Source: Port Authority of Malaga, 2023).

Infographic of the proposed hotel on the eastern breakwater. (Source: Port Authority of Malaga, 2023).

San Andrés Platform: A Space for Culture

The San Andrés platform, located at the western end of the port, is another key area undergoing transformation for the future of Malaga. This traditionally industrial zone is in the process of being converted into a multifunctional space catering to both port and urban activities, connecting the Antonio Machado seafront promenade with Huelin Park, on land freed up after the dismantling of the Campsa storage tanks (Márquez-Ballesteros et al., 2024).

Among the proposals for the San Andrés platform, the creation of a marina stands out, which will include moorings for recreational boats and associated services. This new recreational infrastructure will be complemented by the construction of commercial and leisure areas, which will stimulate the economy of the surrounding neighborhoods, along with already built elements such as the Oceanographic Institute and other facilities of the port authority.

A central feature of this project will be the construction of the Malaga Music Auditorium, a large cultural infrastructure aimed at establishing the city as a hub for artistic and musical events across the Costa del Sol. This auditorium, home to the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra and designed to host events with up to 1,622 people and opera performances for up to 1,743, aims to become an architectural and cultural landmark at both the national and international levels (Benedicto Calahorra, 2017).

Additionally, a project is underway for the pedestrianization and renaturalization of the Huelin-Ayala boundary sector. This initiative will not only provide additional green space in one of the city’s most densely populated areas but will also serve as an ecological corridor that enhances sustainability and the climatic comfort of the surrounding environment (Gerencia Municipal de Urbanismo de Malaga, 2024).

San Andrés platform planning. Modification of the walls and minimum provision of parking spaces on the Auditorium Platform. Special Plan for the General System of the Port of Malaga. (Source: Port Authority of Malaga, 2011).

Infographic of the planned actions on the San Andrés platform. Detailed study of the volume arrangement of Plot K “Puerto Deportivo”. Special Plan for the General System of the Port of Malaga. (Source: Port Authority of Malaga, 2024).

Heredia Dock Development: A New Seafront Facade

Muelle 4, running parallel to Avenida Manuel Agustín Heredia, represents a unique opportunity to strengthen the integration between the port and the city, while modernizing the self-sufficient image that characterizes this area (Reinoso Bellido, 2005). Currently, this space combines active port functions with underutilized areas, presenting the challenge of balancing port operations with the creation of accessible spaces for citizens.

The Muelle 4 development project aims to transform this area into a major business hub, complementing the commercial and service activities of the city center and the Ensanche Heredia, currently known as Soho Malaga. However, this requires the completion of several prior projects, such as relocating the Guardia Civil building to the San Andrés platform or moving the Tax Agency’s facilities to a new building near the Alameda de Colón.

This project also seeks to connect the port dock with Ensanche Heredia and the historic center via pedestrian and cycling routes. Improving these connections will facilitate access to the port from various points in the city, encouraging more active use of the space. This initiative will result in the creation of a new urban facade and the renewal of a high-priority urban axis, which must be developed in parallel with the implementation of the Litoral Plan.

Planning of the Heredia Dock. Special Plan for the General System of the Port of Malaga. (Source: Port Authority of Malaga, 2010).

Infographic of the proposed development of Pier 4 within the framework of the Coastal Plan. (Source: Malaga City Council, 2024).

The Litoral Plan: Green and Pedestrian Connection Between the City and Port

One of the most significant interventions for the future of Malaga’s port is the Litoral Plan, which has as its primary objective the reorganization of traffic in the Low Emission Zone. The plan aims to enhance public transport with the construction of two new interchanges and the recovery of public spaces for pedestrians at the expense of private vehicles, through the undergrounding of the road axis formed by Avenida Manuel Herrera Oria, Paseo de los Curas, and Avenida Cánovas del Castillo (Ayuntamiento de Malaga, n.d.).

Diagrammatic scheme of the Malaga Litoral Plan. (Authors: García Acón and Bañares Dorado, 2024).

The undergrounding will help integrate the port with the city in a harmonious way, eliminating the physical barriers that still separate the port from the urban fabric, and connecting Plaza de la Marina and Malaga Park with the already renovated port areas. Therefore, the plan seeks to facilitate direct pedestrian access from the historic center to the historical entrance of the Port of Malaga and the Palmeral de las Sorpresas. The project will also allow the creation of a continuous green corridor linking the park with the port, forming a pedestrian and green space in continuity. The proposal called Ecosistema Litoral has been developed by the team consisting of B720 Arquitectos, Luis Machuca y Asociados, and DJ Arquitectura (2023).

The revitalization of the area will include new leisure and recreation zones, as well as cultural and commercial spaces that will complement the existing activities at the port. This integrated approach aims to transform the seafront into a dynamic and multifunctional meeting point that reflects Malaga’s Mediterranean identity (Machuca Santa-Cruz & Olalla Mercadé, 2023).

Although the strategy aims to improve urban mobility and reduce environmental impact around the historic center, there are concerns regarding the reduction of private combustion vehicle use and its real contribution to a city model that supports climate change mitigation and a fair energy transition (Ruedas Redondas, 2023).

Coastal Ecosystem proposal for pedestrianisation and renaturalisation of the underground road surface. (Authors: B720 Arquitectos et al., 2023).

In Conclusion: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Regeneration

The transformation of the Port of Malaga and the implementation of its future projects present significant challenges. Balancing the interests of economic development, environmental sustainability, and citizens’ needs is a complex task that requires careful planning and collaboration among all stakeholders involved. On the other hand, these initiatives also offer unique opportunities to consolidate Malaga as a modern and sustainable port city. The integration of the port with the urban fabric, the creation of new public spaces, and the promotion of cultural and recreational activities are crucial steps in strengthening the city’s tourist appeal, as long as they result in a real and effective improvement in the quality of life for the people of Malaga.

The Port of Malaga is undergoing a dynamic transformation that combines the recovery of historical spaces for public use with the implementation of medium- and long-term projects. The Levante Dock hotel, the development of Muelle Heredia, the transformation of the San Andrés platform, and the Litoral Plan should serve as examples of the sustainable regeneration of outdated port areas, enabling the city to adapt to the needs of the 21st century without losing its historical and heritage identity (Fernández Salinas & Silva Pérez, 2018). As these projects progress, the Port of Malaga will have the opportunity to become an international benchmark for urban integration. With a balanced vision that prioritizes both economic development and citizens’ well-being, the port will continue to be a symbol of Malaga’s history and future.


HEAD IMAGE | Aerial view of the port of Málaga. (Port Authority of Malaga).


REFERENCES

Andrade, M.J. & Peralta, A. (2015). “Proyectos Urbanos 1: La integración Puerto-Ciudad”. En: R. Báez Muñoz & P. Jiménez Melgar (Coord.) Agenda 21 Málaga 2015. Agenda urbana en la estrategia de sostenibilidad integrada 2020—2050 (pp. 167-172). Servicio de Proyectos Europeos. Observatorio de Medio Ambiente Urbano. Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Málaga.

Autoridad Portuaria de Málaga (2010). Plan Especial del Sistema General del Puerto de Málaga. Texto Refundido. Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Málaga.

Autoridad Portuaria de Málaga (2011). Modificación de paramentos y de la dotación mínima de aparcamientos en la Plataforma del Auditorio. Plan Especial del Sistema General del Puerto de Málaga, Málaga.

Autoridad Portuaria de Málaga (2023). Modificación puntual de elementos en la plataforma del morro e incremento del índice de edificabilidad máxima de la zona ciudadano-portuaria. Plan Especial del Sistema General del Puerto de Málaga. Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Málaga.

Autoridad Portuaria de Málaga (2024). Estudio de Detalle de ordenación de volúmenes de la Parcela K “Puerto Deportivo”. Plan Especial del Sistema General del Puerto de Málaga. Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Málaga.

Ayuntamiento de Málaga (s.f.). Plan Málaga Litoral, in https://planmalagalitoral.malaga.eu/.

Bernal Santa Olalla, B. (2018). Evaluación del impacto del hotel-rascacielos en el muelle de levante en el paisaje patrimonial de Málaga. Comité Nacional Español de Icomos, Madrid.

B720 | Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos, Luis Machuca Arquitectos & DJArquitectura (2023). Ecosistema Litoral. Anteproyecto Plan Málaga Litoral. Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Málaga.

Benedicto Calahorra, A. (2017). Sobre el Auditorio de Málaga. Fundación CIEDES, Málaga.

Costa, A., de la Torre, C. & Peralta, A. (2005). “El Plan Especial del Puerto de Málaga. Breve Historia de un Largo Proceso”, in Interreg III B. Cooperación de metrópolis mediterráneas. Proyecto piloto integración de puerto y ciudad. Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Málaga.

Fernández Salinas, V. & Silva Pérez, R. (2017). “Reinvención patrimonial y revitalización urbanística: a propósito del modelo malagueño”, in Ciudad y Territorio Estudios Territoriales, vol. 4, no. 191, pp. 63-79.

Fernández Salinas, V. & Silva Pérez, R. (2018). “Aportación al debate: sobre los valores patrimoniales de los espacios portuarios: aplicación al puerto de Málaga”, in F. Cebrián Abellán (Coord.) Ciudades medias y áreas metropolitanas: de la dispersión a la regeneración, pp. 583-602. Ediciones de la Universidad de Castilla-La-Mancha, Ciudad Real.

García Acón, C. y Bañares Dorado, M. (2023). Anteproyecto del eje litoral soterrado en la ciudad de Málaga. Documento de Síntesis. Ayuntamiento de Málaga.

Gerencia Municipal de Urbanismo de Málaga (2024). Proyecto de renaturalización urbana en el sector Huelin-Ayala. Ayuntamiento de Málaga.

López-Bravo, C. & Navas-Carrillo, D. (2019). “Patrimonio y cultura: recursos para el desarrollo urbano. Málaga como laboratorio”, in Revista PH, Boletín del Instituto Andaluz de Patrimonio Histórico, no. 97, pp. 155-157.

Machuca Santa-Cruz, L. (1997). Málaga, Ciudad Abierta. Origen, cambio y permanencia de una estructura urbana. Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Málaga, Málaga.

Machuca Santa-Cruz, L. & Olalla Mercadé, L. (2023). “Ecosistema litoral”, in Boletín de la Academia Malagueña de Ciencias, no. 25, pp. 93-104.

Márquez-Ballesteros, M.J., García-Moreno, A.E. & Pérez-Chachoui, J.M. (2024). “Cuarenta años a la espera de un bosque. Cronología social para la defensa del espacio verde urbano en Málaga”, in M.J, Márquez-Ballesteros, K. España, C. Rosa-Jiménez (Coord.). Mediterranean Landscape in Transition. Nuevos enfoques para hacer frente a los nuevos retos sociales y medioambientales, pp. 309-328. Tirant Humanidades, Madrid.

Reinoso Bellido, R. (2005). Topografías del paraíso. La construcción de la ciudad de Málaga entre 1897 y 1959. Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Málaga; Colegio Oficial de Aparejadores y Arquitectos Técnicos de Málaga, Málaga.

Ruedas Redondas (2023). ¿Por qué no apoyamos el Plan Litoral de Málaga?, in https://www.ruedasredondas.org/.



Article reference for citation:

NAVAS CARRILLO, Daniel. “The Transformation of the Málaga Port: New Challenges for Port-City Integration”. PORTUS | Port-City Relationship and Urban Waterfront Redevelopment, 48 (December 2024). RETE Publisher, Venice. ISSN 2282-5789.
URL: https://portusonline.org/the-transformation-of-the-malaga-port-new-challenges-for-port-city-integration/

NAVAS CARRILLO, Daniel. “La transformación del Puerto de Málaga: nuevos retos para la integración puerto-ciudad”. PORTUS | Port-City Relationship and Urban Waterfront Redevelopment, 48 (December 2024). RETE Publisher, Venice. ISSN 2282-5789.
URL: https://portusonline.org/the-transformation-of-the-malaga-port-new-challenges-for-port-city-integration/



error: Content is protected !!