The city of Malaga, a popular coastal destination conveniently accessible by a major airport and train station, has attracted significant commercial development and growth in recent years. The city’s configuration of disengaged districts posed challenges for officials who sought to develop a new large-scale central business district. To remedy the situation, Malaga commissioned RTKL to create a master plan that would position the historic train station as a unifying core in a new 538,000-SF mixed-use environment.

RTKL’s master plan and architectural scheme focuses on accommodating and highlighting the station’s transit functions while simultaneously infusing the space with a variety of mixed-use components. A new plaza enhances the existing entry foyer by providing a more visible entrance between flanking retail and entertainment pavilions. Maximizing views of the rail operations, the design facilitates seamless circulation throughout the transit platforms. Sweeping roof forms visually connect the station with the surrounding developments and proposed four-star hotel to further position downtown Malaga as a hub of activity.