The developers of Málaga's Torre del Puerto, who submitted the final project less than a month ago, have received a negative response from State Ports. The agency, under the Ministry of Transport, is requesting additional documentation to justify the project’s public interest.
It is also proposing a new tender, as the scheme – promoted by Hesperia Investment Group (Gihsa) and the Qatari fund Al Alfia via Andalusian Hospitality II – has seen three designs over nearly a decade of bureaucratic delays.
This report, published by Diario Sur, casts doubt on the skyscraper hotel planned for Levante Dock, which would reach 144 metres. The project has sparked controversy in Málaga, with some local organisations accusing the Port, City Council and developers of disregarding the city’s cultural heritage and landscape.
Final design
The project was unveiled just two weeks ago, with an estimated investment of around €200 million to build a 382-room luxury hotel, according to Jordi Ferrer, CEO of Grupo Inversor Hesperia.
The developers initially aimed to complete the hotel by 2029, but this administrative setback may delay that timeline.
The future complex will include sports, cultural and leisure facilities, with 80% of the site dedicated to public use. This mix of functions is intended to activate the new outdoor spaces for community gatherings and enjoyment. The developers are in advanced talks with leading international brands for its management, though further details have yet to be disclosed.
A project at risk of fading away?
The skyscraper designed by British architect David Chipperfield, winner of the 2023 Pritzker Prize, has faced widespread opposition. So much so that neither the architect, the city’s mayor Francisco de la Torre, nor the president of the Port of Málaga, Carlos Rubio, attended the project presentation.
This latest setback adds to a troubled history: three designs, two architects, multiple height revisions, nearly a decade of procedures, and several contentious administrative appeals have cast doubt over the project.
It should be noted that the final decision rests with the Council of Ministers, who will grant approval only if State Ports, overseen by the Ministry led by Óscar Puente, gives its consent.
Málaga's Torre del Puerto to get a luxury hotel and €200m investment
The project for the future tower at the Port of Málaga, promoted by Grupo Inversor Hesperia (Gihsa) and the Qatari fund Al Alfia, is progressing through its administrative phase after nearly a decade of technical development and permitting. According to the developers, project completion is expected in 2029 and will feature a five-star luxury hotel with over 300 rooms, green spaces, as well as sports, cultural and leisure facilities.