Gustafson Porter + Bowman's Parque Central opens on former Valencia rail yard

– Mary Bowman
The first phase of a new 23ha (2,500,000sq ft) urban park designed by landscape architect Gustafson Porter + Bowman and built on the site of former railway lines and industrial land has opened in Valencia, Spain.
Parque Central is part of a larger project in the city that will see train lines moved underground to free up a total of 66ha (7,100,000sq ft) of land. The reclaimed land will be used to reintroduce biodiversity, create new public and cultural spaces and reverse social segregation.
The completed, €16m ($18m, £14m) first phase of Parque Central covers 11.5ha (1,200,000sq ft) and already connects a number of previously separated areas of the city.
The park comprises a series of multi-level gardens, including the Children’s Garden, the Romantic Garden, the Flower Garden, the Orchard Garden and the Demetrio Ribes Arts Plaza. There are spaces for art, activities and events.
Materials for landscaping were drawn from the local region and include marble, granite, and Calatorao limestone. Trees, bushes and herb species used for planting are either native to the area or are non-invasive species that have been adapted to the Mediterranean climate.
Mary Bowman, Partner at Gustafson Porter + Bowman said: "Valencia is a Spanish city and a Mediterranean city like no other, with a rich history of agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, not to mention its trade history and history of artisanal and artistic pursuits. I believe we have been successful in capturing the unique qualities of Valencia, delivering a park that is evocative, stimulating, and full of unexpected sensory experiences."
The project began in 2011, with construction starting in 2015. The second phase is due to begin in 2021.
Valencia park urban park Gustafson Porter + Bowman

























Berlin's new Exile Museum set for 2025 opening

Iconic Radio City Music Hall to get rooftop garden and 'skybridge'

Lagula Arquitectes designs new wellness centre for PGA Catalunya golf resort in Spain

Vietnam: Noor Design completes Adrian Zecha's first Azerai beach resort

Christian Lachel appointed chief creative officer at BRC Imagination Arts

Work completed on iconic M+ museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron’s in Hong Kong

Alta Capital Real Estate launches new fund targeting hospitality developments focused on sustainability and wellness

Langham to open beachfront hotel and TCM spa inside Chad Oppenheim's glimmering crystalline towers

Sordo Madaleno and Alejandro Escudero create Sha Wellness Clinic and residences in Mexico

'Oscars Museum' to host programme of virtual events ahead of September 2021 opening

Kerzner unveils new fitness-focused hospitality brand dedicated to health and wellbeing

Design Museum Everywhere launches diversity training programme

Snøhetta reveals reinvented Kon-Tiki Museum – due to open in 2025

Bjarke Ingels-designed Oakland baseball stadium a step closer

London's Battersea Power Station prepares for major launch

Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand reveal US$250m redevelopment for Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia

Baca Architects submits scheme for floating eco-wellness resort

MVRDV reveal ambitious plans to create Marble Arch visitor attraction for London

Coventry's former IKEA building slated to become arts and cultural centre of international importance

World's first entirely wooden stadium approved for use by EFL

Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and ASP Architecture create hidden nature retreat inspired by hygge and Nordic hospitality

Zaha Hadid’s Opus building houses spa designed by The Wellness

Meow Wolf creates mind-blowing Las Vegas attraction – Omega Mart

BRC selected to design new World Food Center – will explore sustainability and global food supply

Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens with luxury spa at Japanese alpine ski resort

Scott Brownrigg-designed Museum of Military Medicine in Cardiff given planning approval

Work starts on US$898m e-sports arena in Shanghai

Gyms added to the mix for new super-luxe retail roll-out

OMA designs Miami Beach's ReefLine – a seven mile-long underwater sculpture park
