A historic opportunity for southern Madrid
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has made an urgent call to the Spanish Government to collaborate on the development of the Abroñigal operation, a project that promises to radically transform the urban landscape of the southern part of the capital. During a visit to the works in Guindalera, Almeida highlighted the importance of moving from informal conversations to concrete actions that benefit citizens.
Almeida has been in contact with several ministers involved in this initiative, but now demands greater speed. “It is essential for the Government to sit down and discuss this project,” he stated. The last formal meeting with the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, took place in October 2024 and since then there have been no significant advances. The Mayor believes it is time to lay the groundwork for what he describes as a major urban operation.
The Abroñigal operation encompasses strategic land located just five kilometres from Puerta del Sol. These lands are expected to be used for profit by the Ministry of Transport, as well as for housing and commerce. Almeida emphasised that this development will not only benefit the district but also the entire city, becoming a crucial economic engine.
The activation of the plan is contingent upon the definitive relocation of Adif to the Vicálvaro Logistics Centre, scheduled for the end of December. This move will free up the necessary land to begin construction towards 2027.
To advance this ambitious plan, Almeida intends to present a proposal at the next municipal Plenary scheduled for March. This proposal will seek to obtain an agreement among all political groups represented in the City Council. “Any group that opposes it will have to justify their decision,” Almeida warned, emphasising that this is not about individual political interests but about collective well-being.
Adif has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the City Council on this urban transformation. In 2021, they fully acquired the land designated for Abroñigal and removed its classification as strategic infrastructure in 2022, which opens the door to future developments.
Almeida concluded by stating: “There is a local Government willing to reach agreements; we did it before with Campamento and I don’t understand why we can’t do it quickly here as well.”
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