About the Parc Central of Valencia
Valencia’s Parc Central is a large urban green space located between the Ruzafa and Malilla neighbourhoods with more than 100,000 square metres of land. It was inaugurated in December 2018, representing one of the city’s most important urban regeneration projects. Located in the heart of Valencia, on land formerly occupied by railway tracks, Parc Central has become a key space for leisure, culture and recreation for citizens.
Origin and historical context
Parc Central is part of the ambitious plan to redevelop the railway lands that for years divided the city in two. The burying of the railway tracks and the construction of the new high-speed train station in the Jesús area opened up the possibility of converting this area, previously industrial and for railway use, into a large-scale urban park. This is a project with an important historical recovery component, as it includes the preservation and restoration of some of the original railway elements.
The design of the park was commissioned to the American landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, known internationally for her innovative approach to the creation of green spaces. Her proposal won the international ideas competition in 2011, and since then work has been carried out in phases to complete the more than 60 hectares planned for the park in its entirety.
Design and layout of Parc Central
The park, with an initial surface area of 23 hectares, is divided into various themed areas that integrate harmoniously with the surrounding nature, railway infrastructure and reclaimed historic spaces. Each area has a unique design and offers different environments and uses, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide variety of experiences.
