Else Beekman
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is known for its blend of modern architecture, historic charm, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is constantly moving and developing and with the current transformation of the Bulevar Sur, the city is gaining a new Golden Mile.
The Bulevar Sur in Valencia is undergoing a transformation, becoming the city’s new “Golden Mile” of entertainment. With the development of Roig Arena, the forthcoming Infinity leisure and commercial complex, the established Rambleta cultural centre, and the cinemas at El Saler shopping centre, this area will become a cultural and entertainment hotspot, right on the doorstep of Valencia’s city centre.
A new cultural and entertainment epicentre
Roig Arena, spearheaded by businessman Juan Roig, is set to be the crown jewel of this development. Positioned to host major cultural events, Roig Arena will have the capacity to accommodate 20,000 spectators. The initiators are aiming to bring Valencia into the same league as iconic venues like Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu or Barcelona’s Sant Jordi. The venue is already in talks with top-tier musical production companies such as Live Nation and has lined up performances by artists like Hans Zimmer, with potential future events featuring Imagine Dragons and U2. The arena, set to open in the second half of 2025, will be a key player in the live music and cultural scene. This is already a significant industry in Valencia that generates around €1.5 million annually and attracts over 2 million attendees, according to the 2024 Music Industry Yearbook.
Infinity complex
Close to Roig Arena will be the Infinity leisure complex, bringing a modern mix of dining, entertainment, and technology-driven experiences to the Malilla neighbourhood. Infinity will offer attractions like virtual reality zones, escape rooms, and gaming areas, catering to Valencia’s booming gaming community. The complex will also feature a ‘beach club’ and the largest continuous wave pool in Spain, allowing year-round surfing. Originally planned to open this year, the project faced delays but is now on track and expected to become a significant draw for locals and tourists alike. Covering 333,029 square metres, the complex will include a hotel, residential blocks, and retail spaces, creating a dynamic destination for entertainment.
Rambleta and El Saler
Rambleta, already a key cultural venue since its opening in 2012, completes the picture as part of this new entertainment corridor. Known for hosting concerts, festivals, theatre productions, and artistic workshops, it has become an essential part of Valencia’s cultural landscape. Alongside Rambleta, the El Saler shopping centre, with its 10 cinema screens, serves as a popular destination for moviegoers from Valencia and the surrounding metropolitan areas.
Transforming the outskirts into a cultural hub
Just over a decade ago, the area surrounding the Bulevar Sur was little more than an urban fringe. However, with the rise of new residential developments like the Turianova towers and large-scale cultural projects, this area is evolving into a key entertainment zone. The new Golden Mile will be accessible through future infrastructure projects. Think of the planned Line 12 tram to La Fe Hospital, alongside extensive parking facilities at Roig Arena and Infinity.
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