Hines Unveils Galleria-Style Center in Barcelona

HOUSTON-Houston-based Hines has duplicated the magic of its high-end Texas Gallerias in Barcelona. In doing so, the developer unwraps a 941,000-sf European shopping center, the first element to an 84-acre mixed-used development.

Acclaimed architect Robert A.M. Stern designed the Diagonal Mar Centre, which includes a 54,000-sf elevated terrace. From the outside, the center’s glass dome and windowed façade are part of a three-story design, with one below-grade level and two rising above.

The 90%-leased center boasts a 240-plus store roster. Tenants include Alcampo, Fnac, Sfera, Zara, Hennes & Mauritz, The Body Shop, Jean Louis David Lacoste, Mandarina Duck, Sephora, Swatch, Tous and Yves Rocher. “Diagonal Mar’s location by the sea and its innovative design have encouraged boutiques and chain stores–some of which are new to the Spanish market–to set up shop here,” says Jose Luis Marin, general manager. “The proximity of the shopping center to Diagonal Mar’s hotels and the Barcelona Convention Center has also been an influential factor.”

The 84-acre, 3.7 million-sf mixed use development is slated for completion in 2005. In addition to Diagonal Mar Centre, the project will contain five residential towers, three office buildings, three hotels, new convention center and the city’s third largest park.