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Málaga's new port tower: Bold vision meets local concern
A striking hotel tower by renowned British architect aims to transform Málaga’s waterfront while sparking a local debate
Málaga is on the verge of something big - literally. A new 144-metre port tower hotel is gradually making its way through the final approval stages, set to rise prominently on the Levante dock at the far end of Málaga’s port, near the cruise terminal. It’s a project years in the making, backed by the Hesperia Investment Group and the Qatari fund Al Alfia, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, one of Britain’s most celebrated architects.Known for his minimalist, rectangular style and sustainable design approach, Chipperfield is a Pritzker Prize winner whose work includes prestigious international landmarks, such as the Met’s modern art wing in New York. This tower promises to bring a fresh, modern dimension to Malaga’s skyline while connecting the city and the sea in a new way.
Jordi Ferrer, CEO of Grupo Inversor Hesperia, calls it “a long and rigorous project that adds real value to Malaga,” promising the tower will not only offer nearly 400 hotel rooms but also create green, pedestrian-friendly public spaces along the harbour.
The plan includes a convention centre for 2,000 guests, rooftop gardens, and a 1,300-metre promenade with bike paths and viewpoints, adding about 54,000 square metres of new public space. Ferrer emphasises this isn’t just about commercial gain. The project is “a private initiative” but aims to deliver “many public and civic spaces” that will benefit Málaga’s residents. Sustainability lies at its core, with the emphasis on a low environmental footprint and zero operational emissions.
But not everyone in Málaga is thrilled. Some locals worry that this towering skyscraper will clash with the city’s natural charm and historic character. One resident summed it up simply: “I don’t see it; it clashes with everything that’s most natural about Málaga.” Others fret the city is sliding toward a Benidorm-style, homogenised tourist hub. A common question echoes through the community: Will this huge project truly serve Málaga’s people, or just boost mass tourism?
Opposition parties have even called for a public referendum, highlighting a broader debate about Málaga’s identity, its future, and who gets to shape it. Yet, despite the local worries, the developers remain confident. They stress the project’s meticulous planning and strategic importance and hope it will continue without political interference.
Whether you see the tower as a symbol of progress or a threat to tradition, one thing is certain: Málaga’s skyline will look very different by 2029.
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Image: wikicommons
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