Merlin Properties and CUNEF University have completed the new Almansa Campus, located on the site of the former Churruca Complex in Madrid. The project involved the comprehensive refurbishment of 17,841 sqm and the transformation of one of the largest business complexes in the centre of the capital into a new university campus for the academic institution.
The campus was inaugurated on 19 March and is situated in the Ciudad Universitaria area, with access via Avenida de Puerta de Hierro, an extension of the A-6.
The complex comprises four detached buildings, originally designed by architect Kevin Roche, which have been adapted for the teaching and administrative purposes of CUNEF University. Two of the buildings are used for classrooms and workshops, whilst the other two house the cafeteria, the Aula Magna, the auditorium, the library, staff offices and administrative areas.
The project has been carried out in three phases since the contract was signed between Merlin Properties and CUNEF University in November 2021. The first phase focused on the refurbishment of the teaching spaces; the second on the service areas; and the third addressed the central outdoor area of the complex, with new ground-floor spaces, the refurbishment of the car park and the renovation of the entrances.
According to information provided by the companies, the project was carried out in accordance with criteria of accessibility, sustainability and energy efficiency, enabling it to obtain LEED Gold and AIS certifications. The campus also incorporates photovoltaic installations for self-consumption of energy and technological and multimedia equipment in the teaching spaces.
The complex is organised around a central square with green spaces, terraces and an open-air auditorium, designed as a space for academic, cultural and social activities.
Fernando Ferrero, Director of Offices at Merlin Properties, notes that the opening of the Almansa Campus represents “a milestone” within the strategy to transform urban assets for new uses and emphasises that the collaboration with CUNEF University has enabled the complex to be adapted to the current needs of its users.
For her part, Ana I. Fernández, Vice-Chancellor of CUNEF University, states that the new campus fulfils the institution’s objective of developing a “rigorous and innovative” educational model and of consolidating research excellence.
