The project related to the Castellana Norte District has at last got the go-ahead. This means that the northern area of Madrid will be transformed and modernized. It has not been easy to reach an agreement regarding this urban project which is also known as Operación Chamartín. This has taken no more and no less than 25 years!

Throughout the years, countless disagreements prevented political parties from reaching a consensus in order to get it started. Its origin began a quarter of a century ago and at long last, the project will be carried out. Finally, this July the proposal was approved with the new name `Madrid Nuevo Norte´. Its aim is to give a boost to the northern area of Madrid. Moreover, we must point out that it is one of the most ambitious urban projects in Europe. Let´s see what it consists of.

CHAMARTÍN STATION: THE CENTRAL AXIS

The Castellana Norte District project hopes to achieve and create a new financial and residential area in the north of Madrid as well as turning the Chamartín railway station into a point of reference for European transport. Some time ago, we wrote about the changes that that had been planned in the area of Azca. We also wrote about the new skyscraper and university campus that will be built in this part of Madrid.

Given these two circumstances, we must add the Castellana Norte District project which will modernize the Chamartín railway station as well as the construction of office blocks and 11.000 flats, 4.000 of which will be for public use. Chamartín station will have green spaces together with ten new railway tracks bringing its total to 31. Therefore, 18 will be allocated to high-speed trains and the other 13 to suburban trains. Regarding the railway tracks for high-speed trains, the number will increase more than double, from 6 to 13. This shows an enormous leap in quality making Chamartín station one of the most modern in Europe. It is estimated that the building works will start at the end of 2018 or at the beginning of 2019.

A BUSINESS AREA IN MADRID

A new business area will be created in Madrid as a result of the modernization of Chamartín station, as well as the construction of office blocks and residential flats. This will attract new companies and thus, make it an important business area in the north of Madrid. However, a dynamic space will also be included so that everybody can enjoy leisure activities after work.

The offices will be constructed next to Chamartín station where the railway tracks which have fallen into disuse have been buried. There will also be entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and housing. Sports areas, leisure facilities, parks and gardens are to be included. This project will take into account sustainability therefore, ensuring pedestrian safety and cycling.

Pictures: Distrito Castellana Norte