Puerto Venecia (Spain)
- Development overview
Puerto Venecia in Zaragoza is a joint venture development project. This 2.2 million sq ft scheme is Europe's largest retail and leisure destination. It has two distinct areas, a retail park, trading since May 2008, and a shopping and leisure centre that is under construction. Zaragoza is Spain's fifth largest city and is located within equidistance of Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia.
- Our use of resources
We have planted 12,000 trees at Puerto Venecia. We will also plant 140,000 sq ft of grassland to encourage biodiversity and provide an attractive local environment. A 125,000 sq ft lake will act as a water reserve, as well as encouraging biodiversity. This year, Puerto Venecia also sponsored the Sustainable Development Programme at the Zaragoza International Exhibition to raise environmental awareness.
Buildings have been designed to minimise energy use, using natural ventilation and light optimisation, where appropriate. We are also investigating the feasibility of installing photovoltaic roof panels. During development, the team re-used two million cubic metres of earth on-site and on adjacent land. This reduced waste to landfill and cut emissions from transport.
We are developing a ten kilometre cycle route and providing cycle spaces on-site. This will encourage people to use sustainable travel and lead active lifestyles. Zaragoza has a high-speed rail connection to Madrid and Barcelona. Puerto Venecia is accessed by the Z30 and Z40 motorways.
- Our customers and us
The Retail Park is trading strongly, despite the general economic situation. It is well-regarded throughout Spain for the quality of its design, the high-specification materials used in its construction, the carefully planned transport links and the retail mix. Up to two million people live within 60 miles of Puerto Venecia, with an estimated consumer spend of €12,000 million.
Puerto Venecia is a unique project, not only as the largest retail and leisure destination in Europe, but also providing a comprehensive and integrated leisure experience. This great project really responds to the region's growing retail and leisure needs and requirements in an outstanding way.
- Our communities and us
A new public square at Puerto Venecia will host events and outdoor activities, such as fairs and concerts. We also sponsor a range of cultural events and community organisations. This year, these included flamenco performances, a Celtic Music Festival, and El Pilar, a traditional fiesta. We also continued to support Atades, an organisation for mentally handicapped children.
British Land 2009. All Rights Reserved.
For our full Corporate Responsibility Report: britishland.com/crReport/2009