Lorraine Williamson
The Torre del Puerto skyscraper in the port of Malaga is advancing after overcoming uncertainty. British architect David Chipperfield’s firm, winners of the 2023 Pritzker Prize, is collaborating with Hoteles Hesperia to finalise the design. The tower will house a luxury hotel, aiming to reshape Málaga’s skyline.
Investment and design
The current phase of the project involves an estimated €4.5 million investment, with half allocated to Chipperfield’s architectural work. The design features a slimmer, more refined tower standing around 140 metres tall, adhering to the port’s 150-metre height limit.
Technical progress
Developers are working closely with the Port Authority to meet structural requirements at the Levante dock. Weekly technical meetings are ensuring progress, with geotechnical studies and excavations proceeding as planned. Foundations must be laid on solid rock to support the structure, influencing the building’s height, parking layout, and ground-floor design.
Public presentation
Developers aim to present the new design in February at a public event in Málaga. Representatives from Hoteles Hesperia, the Qatari fund Al Alfia, the city council, and the Port Authority will attend, alongside Chipperfield’s team.
Local collaboration
Málaga-based Estudio Seguí, which was involved from the start, remains part of the project. While Chipperfield leads the design, Estudio Seguí provides local expertise, particularly on urban planning and administrative processes.
Uncertainty over hotel operator
The choice of hotel chain for the skyscraper remains undecided. Hesperia plans to continue negotiations with leading global operators over the coming months.
Timeline and remaining hurdles
Resistance to the skyscraper has been voiced by groups such as the San Telmo Academy and the citizens’ platform Defendamos Nuestro Horizonte. Legal and administrative challenges are also ongoing.
The full project file must be submitted to the Port Authority by 6 March. Following approval, the file will proceed to Puertos del Estado in Madrid before reaching the Council of Ministers for final authorisation.
Appeals against the project could delay progress, with final approval contingent on resolving legal and administrative issues. If approved, construction will still require years of planning and permit processing.
The Torre del Puerto is poised to become a landmark for Málaga, but its journey to realisation remains fraught with complexities and opposition.
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