Writing about what’s new in Malaga in 2021 might seem a risky enterprise. After all, 2020 taught us not to predict anything! But the city is looking firmly to the future and has plenty of investment, events and new things in the pipeline. So, read on for our traditional round-up of shiny new things this year.
New in Malaga in 2021 – Culture
At Guide to Malaga, we’ve been super impressed with how Malaga has kept its cultural calendar going since lockdown ended last May. All the museums have stayed open and many welcomed excellent new exhibitions. The city certainly has some great things on the horizon culturally in 2021 including:
30th anniversary of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra
They’ve been one of the very few orchestras in the world who have kept up their activity since the pandemic. So, the players have more reason than ever to celebrate their 30th anniversary in February. ¡Felicidades!
A new rehearsal hall is being built for the Orchestra on the El Ejido University Campus. This should be ready by 2022 when the Orchestra plans to incorporate a philharmonic choir.
Goya Film Awards
Malaga hosts Spain’s ‘Oscars’ on 6 March. Antonio Banderas’ Soho Theatre is the venue of choice – expect plenty of movie glamour even though the audience numbers will be reduced to the minimum. Banderas presents the ceremony.
Another Banderas musical
The 1970 musical comedy Company comes to Soho Theatre stage later on in the year for an 8-month run. And yes, Antonio Banderas has one of the leading parts.
To get you in the mood, here’s one of the signature songs, The Ladies who Lunch. Not the original performers but it’s great to see Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski enjoying themselves during lockdown.
New looks in Malaga in 2021
Calle Carretería
The star of the show in this section as the entire street gets a €5 million facelift. Expect a total revamp and a much more pedestrian friendly street with less traffic (yey!) by the end of 2021.
Muelle Uno megayachts
If you’ve been to Muelle Uno recently, you’ll have noticed that there are no boats moored in the port. This is because the area is about to get an upgrade to allow megayachts to dock. 31 mooring points should be in place by the summer including 2 to take boats up to 100m long.
Marina in San Andrés
The area near San Andrés beach at the east end of the port is earmarked for a marina. When it’s finished, it will have over 500 mooring points.
Ferris wheel back
As followers of our news section will know, the return of the ferris wheel has been on the cards for months. 2021 looks set to the year when it finally happens. A ‘more discreet’ wheel is planned (80 to 85m) and in a slightly different location. If port approval arrives, the new ferris wheel in Malaga will stand near the Pergola.
Grupo Trocadero at Casa de Botes
And while we’re talking about new looks for the port, 2021 is the year when the rather rundown Casa de Botes (near the lighthouse) gets a new manager and a revamp. Grupo Trocadero, owners amongst other things of two exclusive beach clubs in Marbella, have the concession. Expect fine wining and dining with some of the best views of the Malaga skyline.
New in Malaga in 2021 – hotels
Hotel investment has poured and continues to pour into the city and several hotels will be new in Malaga in 2021. They include:
- Hotel Santa Catalina recently totally refurbished by Soho Boutique and will have 5 stars.
- Only You, part of the Palladium Group, opens in the main part of the Equitativa building on Plaza de la Marina late in the year. 5* with 93 rooms.
- Soho Boutique owns the tower in the Equitativa building and their hotel should also open this year. 4* with 72 rooms and with a roof terrace to die for.
- Vincci is set to open No 10 Calle Larios this year too. 4* with 76 rooms.
Our Where to Stay in Malaga section has a busy year ahead!
Not new in 2021
Not everything in the pipeline will happen in 2021 and we’ll have to wait until 2022 (or beyond) for:
Metro station on the Alameda
The latest date for the opening of the station (and final clean up of the works) is November 2022. (*Sigh.)
Hotel in the port
2021 should see final approval for the building licence for the skyscraper hotel that will rise 116m into the sky in the port near the cruise terminal. Work may possibly begin at the end of this year on a project with an investment of €200 million.
The building is controversial to say the least and locals are divided. We personally like it, especially the latest version because we believe it’ll add a touch of modernity to the Malaga skyline.
Keep your finger on the Malaga buzzer – sign up for our free fortnightly newsletter. All you need to know about what’s on and what’s new in the city in your inbox every other Friday.
