The City Council of Alcalá de Henares, located within the Autonomous Community of Madrid, has unveiled the largest urban development project in decades. The new district, named “Roca City,” is set to transform the site of the former Roca factory into a vibrant, sustainable neighborhood.
History of the Former Roca Factory Site
Established in the early 1960s, the Roca company developed a substantial industrial complex here, which included a large porcelain production workshop, repair facilities, and several smaller buildings dedicated to manufacturing bathtubs and radiators. The site spans approximately 208,500 m² and is situated near Alcalá de Henares’ historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Key Features of the Roca City Project
Although still in its preliminary planning stages, the master plan for Roca City outlines ambitious goals:
- Redeveloping the outdated factory area into an eco-district comprising 2,500 to 3,000 residential units, with a minimum of 20% designated as social housing;
- Establishing extensive pedestrian zones, new recreational spaces, a retail area, and a 400-space parking facility to enhance accessibility and mobility within the city center;
- Creating over 80,000 m² of green spaces alongside a multifunctional building designed to host congresses, exhibitions, cultural events, and business activities.
Transforming Alcalá de Henares
This development aims to better connect existing neighborhoods, improve pedestrian mobility, and elevate the ecological and cultural value of the area. It will also reinforce Alcalá de Henares’ reputation as a prominent university city and a hub for cultural and tourism events. The eco-district’s design emphasizes pedestrian-friendly environments, with building heights gradually increasing as they extend away from the historic center to ensure harmonious visual and landscape integration.
Broader Context and a Parallel Project in Catalonia
The revitalization of this long-neglected industrial zone began to take concrete shape in 2023. Roca City represents a modern urban development model aligned with European standards that prioritize functionality, inclusivity, ecological restoration, and responsiveness to residents’ needs.
The Roca Group is expected to manage the development and property sales, following a similar initiative recently announced in Barcelona. That project, known as “Roca City Gavà Viladecans,” involves a 32-hectare site between Gavà and Viladecans. It will feature workspaces, 2,700 residential units—40% of which will be social housing—and a large urban park, with an estimated investment of approximately 250 million euros.