Madrid to Transform “Ugliest” Plaza de Jacinto Benavente with €9.5 Million Green Overhaul by 2027

Madrid City Council has announced a major renovation of Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, one of the capital’s most criticized public spaces, which will be completely transformed by spring 2027 following an investment of nearly €10 million.

Located in the Centro district, the square is currently a congested hub of pedestrians, cars, buses, and terraces. The redevelopment project, approved by the municipal government and presented by Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz, aims to reduce traffic, prioritize pedestrians, and introduce more than 3,000 square meters of green space.

Works will begin after Christmas and will affect more than 10,000 square meters, including the square itself and surrounding streets such as Carretas, Bolsa, Atocha, and the intersections with Concepción Jerónima and Doctor Cortezo.

Under the new design, pedestrian areas will be significantly expanded. Vehicle traffic will be limited to a single lane toward Calle de la Cruz, mainly for public transport, loading and unloading, and authorized vehicles. One of the existing bus docks will be removed, requiring the relocation of bus stops.

Several traffic changes are also planned: the exit from the Doctor Cortezo tunnel to Calle de la Cruz will be closed, the ramp will serve only as access to the underground car park, and entry from Calle de Atocha will be eliminated to improve pedestrian safety and reduce congestion.

Sustainability is a key focus of the project. A new landscaped parterre will be built over the underground parking facility, allowing natural light inside and laying the groundwork for a future Sustainable Mobility Center. The space will feature bicycle access, stairs, and an elevator connecting different levels.

Once completed, the square will offer 3,105 square meters dedicated to pedestrians and trees. A central pergola with a broken-roof design—referencing the historic farmhouse that once stood there—will provide shade and include a water mist system to reduce summer heat.

The renovation of Plaza de Jacinto Benavente is part of a broader plan to reshape Madrid’s historic center, following recent works in Plaza de Matute and ahead of the planned transformation of Plaza de Tirso de Molina next spring. According to the City Council, these projects aim to create a greener, more walkable, and better-connected city center.

Source: Madrid Secreto, January 2026