My ‘lighthouse’ project is Infinity, a 350 million Euro multi-functional commercial scheme developed by AQ Acentor in Valencia, Spain. This 133,000 sq m retail and leisure development is the largest EU Next Generation economic recovery package project in the metropolitan region.
Infinity, opening at the end of 2024, will form the commercial center of the city’s newest residential neighborhood, Turianova, which is emerging on a 380,000 sq m site in the Fuente de San Luis district, providing 2,300 new homes, 65,000 sq m of parks and green spaces and 40,000 sq m of educa-tional-and cultural facilities. The scheme is also projected to become the dominant retail-led center in the Valencia region.
What makes this project so special?
Infinity lies at the heart of a regeneration project that is transforming an abandoned and deprived area of Valencia which, as the city’s vice mayor said: ‘had infrastructure burdens that made it very difficult for it to be made liveable and attractive.’ But with the help of EU NextGen funding, third-party investors, and other funding, together with a visionary developer, these financial and site constraints have been overcome. I believe that Infinity and the wider Turianova development will be seen as an
exemplar of modern development in the future.
Why? Infinity is being developed as an open urban environment, merging seamlessly with a 33,000 sq m adjacent park. It’s people-friendly, with public walkways, squares, fountains and gardens, and is easy to navigate at three different levels, which include places to rest and interact. The architecture also encompasses terraces, pergolas and shading elements, offering protection from the local climate, where average daily temperatures can reach 30 degrees in the summer. Infinity will be delivering the essential commercial elements needed by a new residential district. Shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure facilities that bring life and soul to any destination. The developers have incorporated a wide range of cutting-edge sustainable technologies and architectural techniques, with the aim of achieving emissions neutrality, through energy efficiency, responsible use of resources and recycling, within an overall green and extensively planted environment.
What makes it different?
Infinity will include a climbing wall, a ‘geek zone’, a ‘beach club’ and a pool with technology able to generate the largest continuous wave in Spain, allowing its users to practice and learn to surf every day of the year.
What fascinates you?
I have always been fascinated by real estate development projects, watching as underused, or poorly developed land, undergoes a transformation. I am confident that Infinity will add a thriving commercial center to Turianova which is creating a vibrant and green liveable neighborhood in this previously run-down part of Valencia.
