Redesign of Malaga's Guadalmedina River Park: unveiling the planned appearance
In the heart of Malaga, Spain, a radical project is set to transform the city's landscape. On August 14, 2020, local authorities announced a winning proposal for the urban remodeling of the Guadalmedina River, designed by engineering and architecture consultancy Esteyco.
The project, aligning with the Special Guadalmedina Plan, promises to create a vibrant, green urban space for residents. The centrepiece of the design are five X-shaped bridge-plazas, connecting the Armiñán and Perchel bridges. These structures, lighter and more permeable than previous designs, are intended to enhance connectivity between the Centro and Trinidad districts while respecting hydraulic safety and flood management.
The bridge-plazas, along with a large pedestrian-friendly green corridor linking the Armiñán and Perchel bridges, will form public spaces with recreational areas, playgrounds, and green zones. The corridor, featuring medium-sized trees and spaces for sports activities, will maintain hydraulic functionality without fixed obstructive structures.
Innovative public spaces are a key focus of the project. Obstacles from the riverbed will be removed, and two hydraulic jumps will be created to increase the riverbed's slope. The river will always remain visible throughout the project, ensuring permeability and safety.
The project also involves transforming Fátima and La Rosaleda avenues into pedestrian-friendly boulevards by partially burying their roadways. The redesign removes an originally planned large enclosed plaza-bridge, replacing it with the five lighter, permeable structures to improve riverbank permeability and urban integration.
The preliminary phase of the project, with a budget exceeding €300,000 for planning and a total estimated cost of €86.3 million, was officially unveiled in August 2025. Esteyco has five months to finalize the preliminary design, which must adhere to approved hydraulic calculations to ensure safety against flooding, as confirmed by the Cuenca Mediterránea Andaluza authority.
The project aims to reconnect Malaga's riverbank neighbourhoods, healing a longstanding divide in the city. The hydraulic studies confirm the riverbed's capacity to handle up to 460 cubic metres per second of water flow, especially during the autumn flash-flooding season. The construction will be carried out in five phases, with the promise of creating a harmonious blend of urban development and natural beauty.
References: [1] Esteyco. (2020). Guadalmedina River Remodeling Project. Retrieved from https://www.esteyco.com/en/projects/guadalmedina-river-remodelling-project [2] Malaga City Council. (2020). Guadalmedina River Remodeling Project Wins Approval. Retrieved from https://www.malagacity.es/guadalmedina-river-remodelling-project-wins-approval
- Residents of Malaga can anticipate a refreshing transformation in their lifestyle, as the Guadalmedina River Remodeling Project paves the way for a vibrant, green urban space, complete with recreational areas, playgrounds, and verdant zones, ideal for home-and-garden activities.
- As the Guadalmedina River Remodeling Project progresses, home-and-garden enthusiasts will find new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, with pedestrian-friendly boulevards and a large, expansive green corridor, offering medium-sized trees, sports amenities, and scenic views, making Malaga a more appealing destination for leisure and.
