Discover the Guadalmedina River Málaga Urban Redevelopment and its Impact on the City’s Future
The Málaga City Council, through its Environmental Sustainability and Urban Planning departments, has launched one of the city’s most ambitious initiatives: integrating the Guadalmedina River into the urban landscape.
Currently in its preliminary phase, the plan aims to reconnect the river’s two banks with five X-shaped bridge-plazas and create a green corridor between the Armiñán and Perchel bridges. This corridor will become a pedestrian-friendly, socially vibrant urban axis.
The project will unify the historic centre with the western districts, which the river currently separates, and improve mobility in one of Málaga’s busiest areas. To achieve this, Fátima and Rosaleda avenues will run partially underground, making room for two tree-lined boulevards and expanding public space along both riverbanks.
Green and Public Spaces Along the River
The plan includes five bridge-plazas, designed as pedestrian crossings and community spaces for leisure and social activities.
Location: Between La Goleta and Santo Domingo
Central plazas: Three X-shaped squares between Armiñán and Aurora bridges, each up to 3,000 m²
Outer plazas: At Santo Domingo and the existing Trinidad Bridge, with play areas, seating zones, and diagonal pedestrian paths to connect neighbourhoods
Additionally, a linear green park will stretch along the riverbed from Armiñán Bridge to El Perchel walkway, restoring the river’s ecological value and offering space for recreation and sports.
Managing the River’s Flow
The project ensures the river retains its full hydraulic capacity, up to 460 cubic metres per second.
Between Armiñán and Aurora Bridges, the riverbed will be lowered and modified, obstacles removed, and waterfalls added at entry and exit points to improve flow. This design reduces retaining walls, recovers river space, and enhances flood safety in the central urban area.
Project Timeline and Investment
The development will occur in five coordinated phases, integrating hydraulic works, bridge-plazas, and underground roadways.
The City Council estimates an investment of €86.3 million. A five-month planning period will refine the scope and budget for each phase.
Ultimately, the project will transform the Guadalmedina from a barrier into a connected, vibrant riverfront, addressing a longstanding urban challenge and linking Málaga’s neighbourhoods.
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