A new benchmark for leisure and shopping in La Coruña
The Mayor of La Coruña, Francisco Javier Losada de Azpiazu, and the managing director of Multi Development Spain, S.A., Victor-Manuel Gómez Izquierdo, this week laid the “Foundation Stone” to mark the formal start to the building work of ESPACIO CORUÑA, the new leisure and shopping centre which is due to open to the public in La Coruña in the spring of 2009.
The project
Espacio Coruña is located in the south of the city of La Coruña, in the new residential district of Someso, next to the Elviña University Campus, the Coliseum and the “Recinto Ferial” (Exhibition Centre). This new residential complex is soon to be expanded with over 1800 new homes, which will significantly increase the new Centre’s catchment area, currently estimated to include 600,000 inhabitants.
Espacio Coruña will provide 700 new jobs and accommodate some of the biggest names in fashion, leisure, complements, services, household goods and catering.
Espacio Coruña will offer 41,000 m2 (over 441,000 sq.ft.) of G.L.A. (Gross Leasable Area) and 150 leasable units distributed on 3 floors. The Centre will boast a 2,300 m2 (24,756 sq.ft.) supermarket, with an extensive 10,000 m2 (107,639 sq.ft.) shopping area, with medium-sized specialist outlet units, plus a leisure and catering area of roughly 9,000 m2 (96,875 sq.ft.); this area includes a state-of-the-art cinema complex and a 2,000 m2 (21,527 sq.ft.) bowling alley. The new centre will offer parking facilities for over 2,000 cars, on 3 floors.
The foundation stone
During the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone, Multi’s Managing Director Victor-Manuel Gómez Izquierdo Calderón said:
“Our aim is for Espacio Coruña to be the benchmark leisure and shopping centre in La Coruña, from day one. The new centre will cater to more than 600,000 people and provide 700 new jobs, which goes to show the social and economic influence that Espacio Coruña will have on its catchment.” area.
A unique design
Drawing inspiration from local monuments and the maritime nature of the city of La Coruña, T+T Design, Multi’s inhouse architects, have come up with a remarkable design for Espacio Coruña.
The city’s renowned glass architecture, exemplified in the Galerías de la Marina, and its unmistakable maritime flavour, with many nautical references, are perfectly integrated under the canopy of natural daylight that is set to be the focal point of this space. Inside, the building is an extension of the city of La Coruña. Collaboring architect is Chapman Taylor who describes the building as organic and conceived for the inhabitants of La Coruña.
The Espacio Coruña building is perfectly integrated with the surrounding neighbourhood. Built for the most part underground, it emerges like a park with gardens, employing local materials and local varieties of plants, which the people of La Coruña will recognise easily. Also of note are the centre’s glazed greenhouses and meandering paths, exquisitely landscaped throughout with the utmost care. Different entrances give easy access to the project.
“The Espacio Coruña building is modelled on the city of La Coruña, harmoniously integrated into its surroundings and designed for the enjoyment of the local people”, added the managing director of Multi Development Spain.
Profile Multi Development Spain
Established in 1998, Multi Development Spain has achieved a leading role in Spain, with 3 shopping centres up and running: ESPACIO LEÓN (2004), ESPAI GIRONÈS, in Girona (2005) and ESPACIO TORRELODONES, in Madrid (2006).
Other Multi Development Spain projects at different stages of development are: ESPACIO MEDITERRÁNEO, in Cartagena (Murcia), ESPACIO CORUÑA, in La Coruña and ESPACIO BUENAVISTA, in Oviedo (Asturias).
Profile Multi Corporation
Multi Corporation comprises a group of companies carrying out various disciplines throughout Europe in property development, investment, asset management and mall management. With a Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund as its new financial partner, Multi has strengthened its position to become an investing developer and move forward on its path to further growth. Multi’s strategy is and remains focused on developing projects in European countries where significant growth is expected.
Multi Development develops large-scale mixed-use retail schemes, inner-city regeneration projects and offices. To profit from the growth in value of its projects, Multi will retain a selected number of developments entirely or partially within its own portfolio. Multi Asset Management will ensure quality and further growth in value of the project. To achieve this, Multi Mall Management will be conducting the shopping mall management.
Across Europe, Multi’s inner-city projects, shopping centres and business parks appeal to peoples’ imagination. All concepts are conceived through a unique Design & Development formula by our in-house architect practice, T+T Design. Multi’s projects are internationally recognized for their original and innovative nature, quality of architectural character and profound sensitivity to the blending of urban design. Our developments regularly act as the engine for regenerating a city or region. By respecting local culture and style we develop projects with which people can easily identify.
Multi Development’s activities in 18 countries in Europe are conducted from offices in The Netherlands (head-office), United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Poland and Czech Republic.