Juan José Hidalgo pressures the Government to accelerate the development of his urban megaproject in Estepona
The Air Europa president requests government approval to begin an ambitious luxury residential and sports complex in Arroyo Vaquero, with a 1.2 billion euro investment
Juan José Hidalgo, one of Spain’s most influential businessmen and the head of Globalia, has submitted an official request to the Ministry of Transport to proceed with the construction of a colossal real estate and tourism project in Estepona, Malaga. The project, titled "The Ville", will be developed in the Arroyo Vaquero area, where Hidalgo owns 2.3 million square meters of land.
According to sources familiar with the operation, the only remaining step for Hidalgo to begin the project is the approval of the road links to the site, which is crucial for the development of the area. If granted, Hidalgo plans to build more than 3,000 luxury homes, upscale sports complexes, golf courses, and even film studios. The entire project will require a massive 1.2 billion euros in investments.
The necessary government approval, which is expected soon, would allow Hidalgo to break ground on what is poised to be one of the most significant developments on the Costa del Sol in the coming years. The project’s first phase alone, which includes the urbanization of the land, will require an estimated 70 million euros in investment. Hidalgo hopes to begin construction before the year ends, with the full first-phase investment expected to reach around 500 million euros.
Hidalgo purchased the land more than 20 years ago, and in recent years, the project has received several key approvals. In August 2023, the Estepona City Council, led by the Popular Party, approved a modification of the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU) to accommodate this large-scale development. Furthermore, in 2022, the Junta de Andalucía, under the leadership of Juanma Moreno, included "The Ville" in the Unit for Project Acceleration (UAP), which aims to streamline and fast-track strategic initiatives of major public and private interest.
The plans for "The Ville" include not just luxury residential homes but a broad array of international-standard amenities. Among the key features are 400,000 square meters dedicated to sports facilities for professional teams, including football fields, tennis courts, and other athletic complexes. The development also proposes multiple hotels, high-end villas, and premium apartments. Hidalgo has even mentioned the inclusion of a man-made lake with an artificial beach and large-scale film studios designed for television and film productions, providing lodging for production staff.
For Hidalgo, the success of this project will depend not only on local and regional government support but also on securing investors to help fund its realization. The first phase alone will require significant capital, and Hidalgo is actively seeking financial partners to help fund the 500 million euro investment needed for its launch.
With "The Ville," José Hidalgo aims to transform Estepona into a global tourism and residential hotspot, attracting high-net-worth individuals and international investors to the Costa del Sol. The project could provide a significant boost to the local economy, generating jobs and reinforcing Estepona’s reputation as a luxury destination. As the Ministry of Transport reviews Hidalgo's request, the future of this massive development hinges on the approval of the road access, a decision that could define Estepona's place on Spain’s tourism map for decades to come.