PARC CENTRAL

Valencia Parc Central in Spain transforms a disused rail corridor in central Valencia into a 23-hectare urban park through undergrounding 9 km of railway tracks, reconnecting divided neighbourhoods as Europe’s largest such project valued at over €1 billion. Initiated in 2006 by Adif and Valencia Parque Central, with phases opening since 2019 (Phase 1: 11.5 ha), it integrates a new Central Station hub for high-speed rail, metro, and trams while creating green spaces for 9,000 residents.

The park features multi-level gardens, sculpted landforms (“ullals” for art and play), water channels evoking Valencia’s irrigation history, colourful Mediterranean planting, repurposed rail buildings, and amenities like event spaces alongside 4,200 new homes (including social housing), offices, and facilities. It links historic neighbourhoods via pedestrian bridges, paths, and the new Estación Central with 12 underground tracks over two levels.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

The project transforms obsolete central railway land into a large green lung and mixed‑use district, limiting expansion at the urban edge. Over half the park is planted, improving biodiversity, shade, and microclimate while an integrated drainage‑and‑reuse system manages stormwater efficiently. València’s European Green Capital profile stresses expanded green areas, better public space, and sustainable mobility as key to climate neutrality by 2030, with Parc Central contributing a major car‑free park accessible by foot, bike, and public transport.

Smart City

Parc Central integrates advanced water‑management and fountain systems, where sculpted land “bowls” channel rainwater to a buried reservoir for treatment and reuse, and programmable, LED‑lit water features are centrally controlled. At the same time, the rail works create new underground access for long‑distance and commuter trains, increasing capacity and reliability and supporting a more rail‑oriented metropolitan mobility system.

Human-Centric

Parc Central is described as a family‑friendly park designed for everyday use, with children’s areas, water games, climbing structures, and dog zones, and many entrances that weave it into residents’ daily routes between Ruzafa, Malilla, and nearby districts. Historic railway buildings around Plaza Demetrio Ribes are reused as civic and cultural spaces, and the overall operation seeks to remove the physical and social barrier of the tracks, creating a new shared public realm between previously separated neighbourhoods.

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