Page 39 - RLI November 2019

GLOBAL DESTINATION PROFILE | intu COSTA DEL SOL

First Of

Its Kind

A resort like no other, intu Costa del Sol is set to redefine the

model of the retail destination and become an extraordinary
place where even the most demanding of guests meet the most
exciting experiences. Here, RLI sits down with Ian Sandford,

Project Director to learn more about this fascinating scheme.

ringing together the best in latest global trends, Guests can also enjoy a range of adrenaline-filled activities, “Our integrated approach across
thinking, innovation, hospitality and content, intu relax in the cinema complex, be entertained in the 5,000-
Costa del Sol is an entirely new type of global seat concert venue or take in the 365-days-a-year show multiple different services,
Bresort, designed to ensure that every single visitor programme (day and night). They can even blow off steam on elements and uses means that it
is able to create lifelong memories from their visit. a 400sq m ice rink, immerse themselves in reimagined classic
The 800M euros project is ideally located in one of games including e-gaming and virtual reality and enjoy the is impossible to label this project”
the most stunning, ready-made tourist attractions – the tranquil setting of the aquarium or the family-themed circus
Andalusian coastline in Spain, in the north of Torremolinos venue. After all that, they can then retire to the international “Our holistic approach and ethos is what will differentiate this
(Malaga). Set to open in 2023, it aims to be at the forefront grade hotel to recharge for the next day. project. intu Costa del Sol is truly the first global resort of its kind,
of sustainability – one that is committed to improving and “Different environments and particularly our eight distinct with its unique combination of world-class experiences in an
enriching people’s daily lives, society and environment. ‘neighbourhoods’ will provide different atmospheres, different outstanding environment. Many talk the talk when it comes to
“Our integrated approach across multiple different gastronomic experiences, world-class events and services, all trends, but we are leading the way by providing a new direction
services, elements and uses means that it is impossible to set in and around curated natural gardens and environments for the industry, bringing in a whole new set of operators
label this project, we’ve had to re-write the book,” explains wrapping every part of the resort,” explains Sandford. specialising in innovative concepts and developments.”
Ian Sandford, the Project Director of intu Costa del Sol. When it comes to the retail element itself, Sandford says to intu Costa del Sol brings together several innovative concepts
“Combining everything within an environment incorporating expect the unexpected! Representing the future with its unique in one place, all of which will contribute to the exceptional
natural elements, and providing end-to-end entertainment mix of tenants and concepts in an unforgettable location, intu experience guests can expect to receive on site. One example is
from the moment the guest decides to visit the scheme, are already in advanced negotiations with over 50 brands. an online booking platform which will allow guests to pre-plan their
through to the moment they share stories afterwards with As a team, intu has a strong commitment to create richer, entire day – from parking to dining to the attractions and personal
their friends and family, will be key to our success.” happier communities through the delivery of this project. With shopping. The system will encompass the entire resort and enable
As part of a bespoke design across 235,000sq m GLA its framework of biophilic design, sustainability and transport in guests to tailor their day to a truly personalised experience.
there will be over 20 different leisure and hospitality multiple different forms, the company aims to create the most In planning a ground-breaking scheme such as this one,
operators, plus an array of different F&B concepts sustainable space ever seen in the world in Costa del Sol. connectivity and ease of access has been at the forefront of intu’s
positioned around the resort, igniting the senses in more So what does Sandford feel will differentiate intu Costa del thinking, firmly believing in the importance of encompassing all
than 70 restaurants. Sol from other developments? modes of travel and transport. The infrastructure has been
designed to anticipate the new and changing environment and
ensure every means of transport is connected.
“intu Costa del Sol is inspired by the local landscape and climate;
the design is based on the connection between the sea and the
mountains, utilising and enhancing the climate and environment. A
total of 262,000sq m of resort gardens will provide an experience
that feels authentic and close to nature,” says Sandford.
After receiving the definitive green light on the project back
in September, it is now all systems go across the scheme. intu
is now in the final pre-start on-site phase with construction
due to commence next year, and leasing activity is already well
advanced and they have a full and international leasing team
conducting meetings and attending events around the world
to bring the very best brands to intu Costa del Sol.
“We are having positive discussions with brands eager to
join the scheme, as well as potential partners to help bring
the project to fruition,” concludes Sandford.
www.intugroup.co.uk/intucostadelsol