Chapman Taylor appointed to design the landmark Marina Motril project on Spain’s Costa Tropical
After decades of anticipation, the Costa Tropical’s long-envisioned nautical transformation is becoming reality with the development of Marina Motril, a landmark new sports marina designed by Chapman Taylor. Set to begin construction in March 2026 and open by Spring 2028, the project represents the most ambitious coastal infrastructure initiative in the region to date.
Chapman Taylor has been appointed as lead architect for the development, working closely with Marina Motril SL, a joint venture between the current dry marina operator and Granada-based energy group Grupo Cuerva, which was awarded the 49-year development concession in December 2023.
Positioned within the existing port of Motril, the new marina will replace the ageing Club Náutico and marina seca with a cutting-edge facility designed to accommodate 700 vessels, 450 wet berths and 250 dry berths, across a 100,000m² site repurposed from former logistics space.
A Transformational Gateway for Motril
Granada’s coastline has long lagged behind other regions in nautical infrastructure, with just 427 mooring points between Marina del Este (227) and the Club Náutico de Motril (200). Marina Motril will more than double this capacity, ending decades of stagnation since the last major mooring development in 1988.
After decades of anticipation, the Costa Tropical’s long-envisioned nautical transformation is becoming reality with the development of Marina Motril—a landmark new sports marina designed by international architecture practice Chapman Taylor. Set to begin construction in March 2026 and open by Spring 2028, the project represents the most ambitious coastal infrastructure initiative in the region to date.
Chapman Taylor has been appointed as lead architect for the development, working closely with Marina Motril SL—a joint venture between the current dry marina operator and Granada-based energy group Grupo Cuerva, which was awarded the 49-year development concession in December 2023.
Positioned within the existing port of Motril, the new marina will replace the ageing Club Náutico and marina seca with a cutting-edge facility designed to accommodate 700 vessels—450 wet berths and 250 dry berths—across a 100,000m² site repurposed from former logistics space.
A Transformational Gateway for Motril
Granada’s coastline has long lagged behind other regions in nautical infrastructure, with just 427 mooring points between Marina del Este (227) and the Club Náutico de Motril (200). Marina Motril will more than double this capacity, ending decades of stagnation since the last major mooring development in 1988.
Chapman Taylor’s masterplan integrates modern port functionality with a dynamic, accessible public realm. The design focuses on opening the port to the city, seamlessly connecting Motril’s urban core with its waterfront and the wider Mediterranean.
A Mediterranean-Nazarí Village by the Sea
Drawing inspiration from the region’s architectural heritage, Chapman Taylor’s vision for Marina Motril blends Mediterranean charm with Nazarí influences, resulting in a richly layered environment that supports leisure, culture, and tourism. Key components include:
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A 15,000m² commercial village with retail, food and beverage, and local artisan outlets
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A zoco-inspired market surrounded by water features and native landscaping
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An underground car park with nearly 600 spaces
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The Aula del Mar, a marine research facility in partnership with the University of Granada
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A new Nautical Club with two pools, a gym, coworking and event spaces, and a dock for small sailing and water sports
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A 21,000m² varadero with two travelifts (110 and 450 tons), designed to become the largest yacht repair yard in the southern Mediterranean
The design prioritises public access and permeability, eliminating historic barriers and integrating the marina into Motril’s social and economic life.
Sustainability at the Core of the Design
Sustainability is a central pillar of Chapman Taylor’s design. Marina Motril will be powered by renewable energy, developed as part of Green Motril, a Cuerva-led initiative establishing an on-site energy community.
Environmental integration also includes the conversion of underused land into activated waterfront, and the preservation of local marine ecosystems through research and education facilities. No new sea inlet will be created, minimising ecological disruption and aligning with the port’s pre-approved masterplan.
Delivering Long-Term Impact
The project is expected to generate over 150 direct jobs and catalyse further employment in tourism, hospitality, retail, and marine services. The team is exploring innovative financing models to complement traditional investment routes, supporting the total estimated cost of over €30 million.
Pending final environmental clearance from Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition—which developers expect within the next year—Marina Motril is on track to become a defining anchor of the Costa Tropical’s future.
“We are proud to be working alongside Marina Motril and the Port Authority to deliver a bold and future-ready waterfront,” said José Carlos Díez. “This project exemplifies how architecture can unite infrastructure, culture, and community in a single, coherent vision.”
#ChapmanTaylor #MarinaMotril #CostaTropical #Motril #GreenMotril #PortArchitecture #WaterfrontDesign #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanRegeneration #SpanishPorts #Marinas #Granada #Architecture
Drawing inspiration from the region’s architectural heritage, Chapman Taylor’s vision for Marina Motril blends Mediterranean charm with Nazarí influences, resulting in a richly layered environment that supports leisure, culture, and tourism. Key components include:
- A 15,000m² commercial village with retail, food and beverage, and local artisan outlets
- A zoco-inspired market surrounded by water features and native landscaping
- An underground car park with nearly 600 spaces
- The Aula del Mar, a marine research facility in partnership with the University of Granada
- A new Nautical Club with two pools, a gym, coworking and event spaces, and a dock for small sailing and water sports
- A 21,000m² varadero with two travelifts (110 and 450 tons), designed to become the largest yacht repair yard in the southern Mediterranean
The design prioritises public access and permeability, eliminating historic barriers and integrating the marina into Motril’s social and economic life.
Sustainability at the core of the design
Sustainability is a central pillar of the design. Marina Motril will be powered by renewable energy, developed as part of Green Motril, a Cuerva-led initiative establishing an on-site energy community.
Environmental integration also includes the conversion of underused land into an activated waterfront and the preservation of local marine ecosystems through research and education facilities. No new sea inlet will be created, minimising ecological disruption and aligning with the port’s pre-approved masterplan.
Delivering long-term impact
The project is expected to generate over 150 direct jobs and catalyse further employment in tourism, hospitality, retail, and marine services. The team is exploring innovative financing models to complement traditional investment routes, supporting the total estimated cost of over €30 million.
Pending final environmental clearance from Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition, which developers expect within the next year, Marina Motril is on track to become a defining anchor of the Costa Tropical’s future.
“We are proud to be working alongside Marina Motril and the Port Authority to deliver a bold and future-ready waterfront,” said José Carlos Díez. “This project exemplifies how architecture can unite infrastructure, culture, and community in a single, coherent vision.”
#ChapmanTaylor #MarinaMotril #CostaTropical #Motril #GreenMotril #PortArchitecture #WaterfrontDesign #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanRegeneration #SpanishPorts #Marinas #Granada #Architecture