Centro Plaza celebrates its 35th anniversary with a new image and a comprehensive renovation project
With 98% occupancy and over 120 active businesses, the shopping centre consolidates its position as one the the main economic powers of Marbella.
The shopping centre reinforces its role as a multicultural meeting point with a new visual identity and business ecosystem with businesses from more than 20 sectors.
28% of the businesses in Centro Plaza are of Nordic origin, reflecting the consolidation of Northern Europe as a key player in the fabric of Marbella´s trade.
Marbella, 10th June 2025 – Centro Plaza celebrates its 35th anniversary as one of the social and economic powers of Nueva Andalusia. Established in 1990 as the first shopping centre in the area, it was a pioneer in combining leisure, retail and office spaces in a cosmopolitan and open environment, anticipating the needs of a destination now known as the “California of Southern Europe”.
The centre has more than 120 establishments from 21 different sectors, an occupancy rate of 98% and a business ecosystem with a strong international presence, where 28% of the businesses are of Nordic origin.
A history linked to the transformation of Marbella
Founded by Alfonso Fernandéz and Alberto Vidiella, Centro Plaza emerged as a response to the lack of businesses and services in an upmarket residential area, known as “Golf Valley”. From then on, it has been a part of the development of Nueva Andalusia and one of the symbols of the so-called “Marbella quality seal”, with open and luminous architecture by Javier Banús, designed as a “plaza overlooking the sea”.
These days it´s the fourth most characteristic shopping centre of its kind in the Málaga province and a living example of how commercial spaces can generate community, identity and economic development.
New image for a new chapter
“The 35th anniversary marks the start of a new chapter: the centre has renewed its corporate identity, transforming its iconic red “P” into a silhouette of its view and its circular border into a dot representing that the centre is an ideal meeting point for socialising, business or simply just to have a good time. This new image reinforces its spirit of being a connecting space for professionals, residents and visitors from all over the world”, explains Carlos García Perujo, manager of the Centro Plaza shopping centre.
“This anniversary is a celebration and a commitment to our community. Centro Plaza has grown alongside Nueva Andalusia and now we are preparing for the future with a more modern image, but one that is true to our essence: to be an open, human, dynamic and multicultural space”, highlights García Perujo.
Furthermore, as part of its roadmap to a new chapter, the first stage of Centro Plaza´s ambitious and extensive refurbishment will be launched this winter. The project includes a stark transformation of its entries, communal areas and general aesthetics, with the aim of modernising visitor experience and adapting the centre to comply with new standards of sustainability, accessibility and efficiency. This renovation aims to reinforce the centre´s role as an open and comfortable meeting spot for all audiences, and aligns with the natural evolution of a shopping centre that has been able to anticipate the needs of its environment. The project will preserve the original architectural essence of the Plaza, but will upgrade it with more sustainable materials and technical solutions, ensuring its continuity and success for the future.
An economic driving force and a multicultural platform
Centro Plaza has established itself as a true local economic and logistical hub. From its offices, various asset management companies and real estate agencies, operations across the Costa del Sol are boosted, generating direct and indirect employment through the recruitment of local professionals from a variety of sectors.
Its diversity of sectors, which ranges from a supermarket to law firms, a bank, a notary, gyms, fashion, technology or international restaurants, supports the centre´s multicultural character, reflecting Marbella´s global ecosystem, where businesses and clients from all over Europe coexist, with a particular presence of Nordic and Western European countries.
In addition, in the past few years, Centro Plaza has reinforced its role as an active promoter of social and economic development in Marbella by means of its solid Corporate Social Responsability (CSR) strategy. Through collaborations with local organisations, support for cultural and sporting events, and actions focused on sustainability and inclusivity, the centre has strengthened a trusting relationship with its clientele. This working philosophy is based on principles of mutual support, transparency and respect, and has been key in maintaining stable activity and a cohesive business community.
“Today Centro Plaza looks to the future with a clear roadmap, based on three fundamental pillars: renovation, sustainability and community, in order to continue being a reference point in the heart of Nueva Andalusia”, concludes the manager of the shopping centre.
A local emblem: the Saturday market
One of the most emblematic elements of Centro Plaza is its role as a host to the famous Puerto Banús street market every Saturday. This weekly event transforms the centre into a hive of activity with craft stalls, antiques and unique pieces, which are integrated with its terraces, shops and cafes, creating a vibrant experience where commerce, gastronomy and social life fuse together.
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