Green light for Real Madrid’s ‘Silicon Valley’: A tech campus spanning nearly 300 acres
The new hub will feature 5.7 million square feet of buildable tech space alongside a massive public park expansion.
City officials have granted initial approval for a major zoning amendment in Valdebebas to clear the way for the Madrid Innovation District—a tech campus spanning nearly 300 acres adjacent to Real Madrid’s training complex.
Under the agreement, the city will acquire more than 2.15 million square feet of land at no cost. Roughly 1.78 million square feet will be set aside to expand the Metropolitan Forest (Bosque Metropolitano) and build a linear park along the Arroyo de la Plata stream, while another 376,000 square feet will host a municipal tech and innovation facility.
The new district will feature up to 5.7 million square feet of buildable space, bringing together tech companies, research labs, educational facilities, and corporate services to position Madrid as a global tech hub.
$160 million allocated for citywide road and sidewalk repairs
City officials also approved a new infrastructure maintenance contract to replace the current agreement when it expires in January 2027.
The three-year contract carries a base bidding budget of nearly $160 million, with an option for a two-year extension. It will cover repairs across Madrid’s 640 million square feet of paved surfaces, including both sidewalks and roadways.
In a first for the city, the maintenance contract will also cover the upkeep and management of Madrid’s public passive telecommunications network currently being laid across new urban developments.
More resources for social policy
On equality initiatives, the board authorized $28 million to manage 18 new Women’s Comprehensive Care Centers (CIAM). These will join an existing facility in Puente de Vallecas, which is being handled under a separate contract.
The city will also invest $22.5 million in a new contract for Children’s Care Centers (CAI), expanding the network from 12 to 14 facilities. The expansion will add 14 specialists to support at-risk youth and their families, while taking on new risk-assessment responsibilities under regional regulations.
Additionally, municipal officials approved $15 million to expand services for unhoused residents through a new contract for the “Madrid en Calle” street outreach program and an extension of “A Tiempo,” an initiative for young adults aged 18 to 25. Enhancements include a new initial intake center, additional shelter beds, and a new day center at the Pedro Meca facility.
New urban renewal projects
The board also approved two revitalization projects under the Plan Regenera Madrid, with a total investment exceeding $6.1 million.
The first will focus on the area around Calle Ibor in Puente de Vallecas, where $4.27 million will go toward improving accessibility, expanding green space, adding public seating, and upgrading community infrastructure.
The second project targets the Vinateros neighborhood in Moratalaz, backed by $1.84 million to remove architectural barriers, build accessible pedestrian pathways, add landscaping, and replace streetlights and public benches.
Contracts for public safety and fashion industry support
Under Security and Emergency Services, the City Council authorized four contracts totaling $7.35 million to continue renovations at SAMUR-Civil Protection’s main base, maintain the Fire Department’s vehicle fleet and Municipal Police radio networks, and secure ammunition for police officers.
Separately, the board agreed to increase fashion industry grants to $1.5 million to help designers participate in high-profile events like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, Madrid es Moda, and Atelier Couture, offering subsidies of up to $23,000 per recipient.
According to Deputy Mayor and city spokesperson Inma Sanz, the Governing Board handled 726 agenda items across its meetings during the first seven months of 2026.
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