The center of Valencia is set to undergo a transformation. The Local Government Board will approve this Thursday the urban redevelopment project for Plaza de Sant Agustí, Avenida de l’Oest, and the section of Sant Vicent Màrtir Street between Guillem de Castro Street and Plaza Espanya, with a total budget of 14.9 million euros.
The project, which covers an area of more than 30,000 square meters, will be carried out by the Escalera de Color joint venture, winner of the ideas competition held in 2022.
Valencia Mayor María José Catalá presented the details of the project on Wednesday, describing it as “the third major redevelopment project under the Plan Valentia,” following those already undertaken on Colón Street and at Plaza de l’Ajuntament.
The project will expand the pedestrian area by 3,800 square meters, bringing the total to over 18,500 m². Green spaces will gain an additional 2,631 square meters, and the number of trees will triple with the planting of 264 new trees.
The paving will consist of natural stone from Ulldecona—16,218 m²—to create a unified aesthetic across the three sections, in harmony with the surroundings.
As for street furniture, 194 new benches, 425 m² of pergolas and shaded areas, and 26 new lighting points will be installed.
Work to begin this summer
Given the scale of the project, it has been divided into three phases with separate budgets. Phase 1, covering Plaza de Sant Agustí, will receive an investment of 4.1 million euros. Phase 2, in Sant Vicent Màrtir, will have a budget of 4.2 million euros. Phase 3, the most expensive, will involve Avenida de l’Oest with a budget of 6.5 million euros.
The mayor announced that the first phase will be put out to bid next week.
Once awarded, the estimated completion time for each phase is eight months, meaning construction would begin after the summer.
Possible traffic disruptions
Traffic flow will be organized with two lanes on Avenida de l’Oest and three lanes on Sant Vicent Màrtir. The seven existing EMT bus stops in the area, which serve 22 lines, will be retained and will feature new platforms with increased length.
The project has received a favorable opinion from the Technical Heritage Commission, as the scope of the work includes the surroundings of cultural heritage sites such as the Church of Sant Agustí, the Museum and School of the Great Art of Silk, and the Central Market.
