A historic Madrid leisure complex, known as ‘La Playa de Madrid’, has been brought back to life along the Manzanares River. After being dormant since 2014, the site, originally conceived by architect Manuel Muñoz Monasterio in 1932, has reopened with a new restaurant, padel courts, and a renewed focus on its original architectural charm.
The Revival of a Madrid Icon
The main building, designed to resemble a ship, was presented this Monday by María Estades, the ‘captain’ at its helm. Estades, who leads the project with her husband José Manuel Rodríguez as part of the El Enfriador group, has secured a 25-year concession from Patrimonio Nacional, with an option to extend for another quarter-century. “We want to bring life back to a space that is part of Madrid’s history,” Estades stated, referring to their project, ‘Playa de Madrid 1932’.
The original complex, built in 1932, featured a dam that created a small lake for boating, along with swimming pools and tennis courts. Its architecture suffered damage during the Civil War and subsequent reforms. The current restoration has meticulously revived Muñoz Monasterio’s vision, reinstating the nautical railings and portholes, and returning the facade to its original white color.
El Naútico: A New Culinary Destination
The restored main building now houses a two-story restaurant named ‘El Naútico’, capable of seating a hundred people on each level. Surrounding the restaurant, a spacious terrace is expected to become a popular spot for enjoying Madrid’s spring and summer evenings.
María Estades described the gastronomic concept as “very simple, with delicious dishes to share.” She emphasized the use of “national and rich products, prepared in the best way so as not to spoil them.” The menu includes popular Spanish dishes such as tomatoes, fried eggs, croquettes, and more substantial options like turbot, sirloin, or tenderloin. The average cost per person ranges from 45 to 48 euros, varying with drink selections.
Beyond the Restaurant: Sports and Events
Beyond ‘El Naútico’, the ‘Playa de Madrid 1932’ complex offers extensive gardens and sports facilities. These include a freely accessible roller-skating rink and four covered padel courts, which are available for booking. The entire venue, separated from the Manzanares by a simple fence, can be rented for various events.
The El Enfriador group initially sought a larger venue for events, leading them to this ambitious project. While they have currently developed three hectares, the complex spans a total of 15 hectares (180,000 square meters). Their plan involves a phased opening, with future intentions to restore other heritage elements, including the old lighthouse, to its original state.
Discreet Opening and Future Plans
The official presentation of this hospitality and sports space took place this Monday, coinciding with the launch of Hostelería Madrid’s strategy for the coming years. The event was attended by three city councilors, including the Delegate of Finance, Engracia Hidalgo, and high-ranking officials from the Community of Madrid. Prior to this, only the group’s clients and local residents were aware of the reopening, as access to the site is somewhat secluded.
The future evolution of the space and the timeline for the lighthouse’s restoration remain uncertain. “We don’t always set the times ourselves; here we have to ask permission from many institutions, and one cannot ask everyone at once,” Estades noted, referring to the extensive bureaucratic process involved in developing each phase of the project. Despite the “long and demanding” administrative path, the team is highly motivated by the iconic nature of the project.
However, the original beach with its pier is unlikely to return. The Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo recently restored the banks of the Manzanares, making it improbable for the area to recreate the former reservoir, which had a depth of three to five meters.
Source: eldiario.es
