Intu will launch € 800m retail and entertainment venue on the Costa del Sol

Intu, the owner of several of the largest and most popular retail sites in Spain and the UK have confirmed a new project launching soon on the Costa del Sol.

The new € 800m retail and entertainment venue is an ambitious addition to the popular Spanish costal region, and will offer visitors 'world-class experiences in hospitality, leisure and retail'.

Intu Costa del Sol will feature eight distinct neighbourhoods, including 142,000 sqm of retail space, more than 70 restaurants, 20-plus leisure operators, two hotels and a concert venue with a capacity of 5,000 seats, as well as Spain's largest farm.

Speaking to the company's recent approval of a General 'PGOU' license (Plan General de Ordenación Urbana) granting the ambitious project a green light, Ian Sandford, chief executive of Intu's JV partner Eurofund and project director, commented "We are delighted to have received this backing and endorsement from the Junta de Andalucía, validated by the City of Torremolinos. We now advance our plan and vision with renewed energy."

The development will be located 3km from Malaga airport, just north of the popular town of Torremolinos.

"This significant milestone opens the door to the next stage of the project. Intu Costa del Sol will be a resort like no other, bringing together international brands and global visitors in an unforgettable location surrounded by the very best in entertainment and leisure." Intu's chief executive, Matthew Roberts said in an announcement. "We are having positive discussions with brands eager to join the scheme, as well as potential partners to help bring the project to fruition."

The retail centre will open in 2023 and is expected to attract more than 23 million guests annually, joining Amazon who recently announced plans to kick start its logistics operation in the region that welcomes 13 million visitors annually.