This new space on the Gran Malecón will feature green areas, a sports zone, play areas, and dining facilities. Furthermore, it will enable visitors to have greater interaction with nature.
Barranquilla continues to focus on the Magdalena River with the execution of the third phase of the Gran Malecón. The new section goes from Calle 72 to the first vehicular bridge leading to the “Ventana de Campeones.” Here, visitors can connect with the city’s natural resources.
The District is currently developing nearly 3 hectares of additional public spaces covering 650 linear meters for various recreational, sports, and leisure activities as part of the ongoing mega project.
“With the third phase of the Gran Malecón, we are completing a slightly different version that will be closer to nature. We will have more robust vegetation, beach volleyball courts, beach soccer fields, food container areas, and areas for nature contemplation. It will offer a different experience with almost 650 linear meters and nearly 3 hectares of high-quality public space for the people of Barranquilla to continue enjoying the Malecón and the view of the Magdalena River,” said Mayor Jaime Pumarejo Heins during the latest inspection.
Shakira Statue
This third phase currently under construction will also be the new home of a bronze Shakira statue. The 6.2-meter-high (20-foot) statue will be located in the third phase of the Grand Malecón and is expected to be inaugurated before the end of 2023. The statue is a symbol of unity and pride for Barranquilla. While the city contemplates the possibility of immortalizing its most famous daughter in bronze, opinions converge to recognize the lasting impact that Shakira has had on the cultural identity of the city.
Details of the Project
The project currently includes a sports zone where they are completing the construction of filters for beach volleyball courts and forming the sand layer on the beach soccer field.
The beach volleyball courts have the dimensions required by the FIVB (14.40×22.40). The beach soccer field also complies with regulatory dimensions (30.00×39.00).
According to the City, the construction of curbs for playgrounds and green areas in the play zone has been completed. Installation of playgrounds and gravel path formation has begun.
Furthermore, in the dining area they are installing 10 food containers and lighting, along with furniture for visitors.
Finally, activities related to the construction of the irrigation system, installation of distribution lines for the system, and the construction of the collection system are underway in the green areas and landscaping space.
Mercado del Río
The Mercado del Río is a new attraction that connects with the Gran Malecón and consolidates the transformation of the Centro area. It will be located in the La Loma sector, where Mayor Jaime Pumarejo Heins inspected the project’s progress. The Mercado will soon host more than 340 vendors.
Currently, the foundation and concrete structures are 100% completed, the metal structures are 95% completed, and the construction of the roof is 45% completed. The construction of vendor modules is 33% in progress.
