The Racket City: an abandoned sports complex in Madrid
In the San Blas-Canillejas district of Madrid, a major initiative to build a temple of tennis and padel came to a screeching halt. Known as La Ciudad de la Raqueta, this complex promised to house a hotel, a social club, and numerous courts. Construction began with great momentum, but a combination of economic and management factors brought everything to a stop, leaving a scene of abandonment and structures exposed to the elements. 🏗️
An ambitious project aiming to be a benchmark
The initial idea was to develop a top-tier private space dedicated entirely to racket sports. The plans detailed a large number of tennis and padel courts, several of them covered. The design also integrated a gym, common areas, and a hotel to accommodate athletes. The promotion focused on offering high-end facilities in an area of the capital with great potential. Although significant progress was made, the construction pace slowed until it came to a complete halt.
Key elements of the original project:- A large number of tennis and padel courts, some covered.
- A hotel designed to accommodate athletes and visitors.
- A social club with a gym and high-level common areas.
A place conceived for movement and competition is now a static space where the only game is deterioration against concrete.
The current state: a construction frozen in time
Today, the site presents a desolate landscape. Anyone approaching the place encounters the concrete skeletons of several multi-story buildings, without facades or windows, with iron reinforcements exposed. On the ground, the perimeters of the future courts are marked, but without the final pavement, invaded by dirt and weeds. Machinery and construction materials remain on site, rusting progressively.
Visible signs of abandonment:- Half-built building structures, unfinished.
- Spaces and demarcated areas for courts, incomplete.
- Abandoned and rusted cranes and construction materials.
An uncertain future and lessons to learn
The complex conveys a palpable sense of frustrated expectation and untapped resources. It is ironic that a plot destined for activity and sport remains in absolute silence, while the structures degrade. This case exemplifies how the most ambitious projects can collapse, leaving behind a physical reminder of plans that could not be executed. The future of this site remains an unknown. 🤔