Credit: CreaMNNMadrid Nuevo Norte’s Business District: A New Model of Urban Living and Mobility
How Madrid's most ambitious regeneration project is transforming urban life through sustainable design and seamless connectivity
October 13, 2025Real Estate
Written by Miguel Hernández
Madrid is preparing to reshape its urban future with Madrid Nuevo Norte - not only the city’s most ambitious regeneration project, but also one of the largest in Europe.
Located in the northern area of the capital’s central core and anchored by a reimagined and expanded Chamartín station, this project is far more than a new business hub: it is a blueprint for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city of tomorrow.
Gone is the outdated model of office towers in isolated areas that empty after working hours.
Instead, this business district is integrated into a project that combines 1.6 million square metres of next-generation offices and other tertiary uses - from flex-living concepts to private amenities - with one million square metres of residential space, extensive public services, local commerce, and 400,000 square metres of green areas.
The result will be dense, mixed-use neighbourhoods where economic vitality, community life, and urban amenities coexist seamlessly.
Within the business district itself, 1,600 out of 2,600 units will be affordable, bringing the total to 62%, an unprecedented level for a global CBD.
By ensuring that professionals can live within walking distance of their workplaces, Madrid Nuevo Norte strengthens the connection between economic activity and social well-being, while making housing accessibility a cornerstone of talent attraction and retention.
This hyperconnected ecosystem will enable more than five million people to reach the district within an hour by public transport, while international travellers will be just 15 minutes away by train from the airport to the office.
This model pushes beyond the “15-minute city” to embrace the “45-minute region,” linking millions to jobs, healthcare, universities, and culture without relying on private cars.
In fact, 80% of journeys are expected to be made by sustainable transport modes. This people-centred approach turns streets into social spaces where business, leisure, and community life intersect.
The project draws inspiration from international regeneration successes such as London’s King’s Cross or Amsterdam’s Zuidas, embedding affordable housing and sustainable mobility at its core.
Madrid Nuevo Norte positions the city as a truly competitive global capital - not only as a tier-one hub for talent and visitors, but also as a fairer, greener, and more human-centred destination.
Miguel Hernández is Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at Crea Madrid Nuevo Norte (CreaMNN).
CreaMNN, convinced of this promising opportunity for Madrid and its citizens, is leading - alongside first-class shareholders such as BBVA, Merlin Properties, and Grupo San José, as well as state, regional, and local public administrations - a benchmark model of public-private collaboration to drive Spain's largest urban regeneration project.
Learn more about Crea Madrid Nuevo Norte here.
Madrid is preparing to reshape its urban future with Madrid Nuevo Norte - not only the city’s most ambitious regeneration project, but also one of the largest in Europe.
Located in the northern area of the capital’s central core and anchored by a reimagined and expanded Chamartín station, this project is far more than a new business hub: it is a blueprint for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city of tomorrow.
Redefining CBDs
At the heart of Madrid Nuevo Norte lies a bold redefinition of what a Central Business District (CBD) should be.Gone is the outdated model of office towers in isolated areas that empty after working hours.
Instead, this business district is integrated into a project that combines 1.6 million square metres of next-generation offices and other tertiary uses - from flex-living concepts to private amenities - with one million square metres of residential space, extensive public services, local commerce, and 400,000 square metres of green areas.
The result will be dense, mixed-use neighbourhoods where economic vitality, community life, and urban amenities coexist seamlessly.
Walking to Work
Housing plays a critical role in this vision. Of the 10,500 new homes planned, 38% will be publicly owned and dedicated to affordable housing policies.Within the business district itself, 1,600 out of 2,600 units will be affordable, bringing the total to 62%, an unprecedented level for a global CBD.
By ensuring that professionals can live within walking distance of their workplaces, Madrid Nuevo Norte strengthens the connection between economic activity and social well-being, while making housing accessibility a cornerstone of talent attraction and retention.
Regional Reach
Equally transformative is the project’s approach to mobility. Chamartín station is being rebuilt into Spain’s most significant intermodal hub, serving as the beating heart of the national high-speed rail network and directly connecting with Madrid Barajas International Airport.This hyperconnected ecosystem will enable more than five million people to reach the district within an hour by public transport, while international travellers will be just 15 minutes away by train from the airport to the office.
This model pushes beyond the “15-minute city” to embrace the “45-minute region,” linking millions to jobs, healthcare, universities, and culture without relying on private cars.
Chamartín station is being rebuilt into Spain’s most significant intermodal hub, serving as the beating heart of the national high-speed rail network. (CreaMNN)
Mobile Madrid
Inside the district, the commitment to active and sustainable mobility is equally strong. The design prioritises walking and cycling through interconnected routes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and reduced car dependency.In fact, 80% of journeys are expected to be made by sustainable transport modes. This people-centred approach turns streets into social spaces where business, leisure, and community life intersect.
Global Capital
The key open space of the district will be a large Central Park, created on a platform covering the rail yards. Designed with rain gardens, sports facilities, restaurant terraces, and open meadows, it will be both a landmark of engineering and a prime destination for residents and visitors.The project draws inspiration from international regeneration successes such as London’s King’s Cross or Amsterdam’s Zuidas, embedding affordable housing and sustainable mobility at its core.
Madrid Nuevo Norte positions the city as a truly competitive global capital - not only as a tier-one hub for talent and visitors, but also as a fairer, greener, and more human-centred destination.
Miguel Hernández is Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at Crea Madrid Nuevo Norte (CreaMNN).
CreaMNN, convinced of this promising opportunity for Madrid and its citizens, is leading - alongside first-class shareholders such as BBVA, Merlin Properties, and Grupo San José, as well as state, regional, and local public administrations - a benchmark model of public-private collaboration to drive Spain's largest urban regeneration project.
Learn more about Crea Madrid Nuevo Norte here.