The Galería Canalejas in Madrid will close its failed Food Hall to make way for a luxury macro-spa. The €21.5 million investment aims to reposition the complex as a wellness destination.
A new chapter opens at the Galería Canalejas in Madrid with the decision to invest €21.5 million in the construction of a luxury macro-spa. This project arises after the closure of the Food Hall, which failed to attract the public and ended up in bankruptcy proceedings. The initiative is designed to transform the space and offer a wellness-focused experience.
The spa will occupy 2,200 square meters on the lower floor of the building and will have independent access from Calle Alcalá. It is expected to generate around 100 jobs, thus contributing to the local economy. Karine Titli, the general director of the complex, highlighted that this collaboration with AIRE Ancient Baths is key to expanding the experiences offered by Galería Canalejas beyond retail.
AIRE Ancient Baths is known for its centres inspired by ancient Greek and Roman baths, and already has a presence in cities like New York and London. The choice of this operator is not coincidental; its approach aligns perfectly with the renewed vision of the Madrid complex.
The Galería Canalejas opened its doors in June 2022 with high expectations as a premium destination for shopping and gastronomy. However, the Food Hall failed to establish itself due to its poorly visible location and high prices, leading to a constant series of closures among its operators. In October 2024, Mad Gourmets, the main operator of the gastronomic space, filed for bankruptcy at Commercial Court number 12 after accumulating over €2.23 million in debt. This situation forced a complete rethink of the commercial strategy of the venue.
Despite the initial setback with the Food Hall, Galería Canalejas maintains exclusive boutiques such as Cartier and Dior that have performed well since their opening. With this new focus on wellness, it aims to attract a different audience: those interested not only in luxury shopping but also in health and personal care experiences.
Amadeo Serra, CEO of AIRE Ancient Baths, expressed his enthusiasm for finally establishing in Madrid: "We have always considered Madrid a great aspiration; we wanted to secure an exceptional location." This new spa promises to be a focal point within the global ecosystem that Galería Canalejas seeks to create.
As this transformative project progresses, Madrileños can look forward to a diversified offering that combines exclusive shopping with personal wellness-oriented services. The opening is scheduled for late next year; interested parties can stay tuned for updates on hours and reservations to soon enjoy this unique new experience.
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