The judiciary in Madrid is gradually relocating to Valdebebas, where the regional government has held an official presentation on the progress of construction of the future Ciudad de la Justicia – a major project that will consolidate 26 court locations and, according to Madrid’s regional authorities, is set to become the largest judicial complex in the world. The plans include 331 courtrooms, four of which will be equipped to host large-scale proceedings, as well as additional reserve space designed to accommodate growth over the coming decades.
The Regional Minister for Justice, Miguel Ángel García Martín, described the project as one of the largest public construction projects in Spanish history, emphasising that investment in the justice system represents an investment in freedom and rights. The new complex will have more than 470,000 square metres of floor space, representing a 61% increase compared to the current facilities, and is expected to generate annual savings of around 80 million euros through lower rental and operating costs.
The functional design provides for separate circulation routes for defendants, victims and witnesses, as well as dedicated areas for criminal courts. Construction work is begin carried out in two phases: the first phase is scheduled to reach structural completion in early 2027, while the second phase is expected to be completed by summer 2029. A central Plaza de la Justicia with extensive green spaces, is intended to anchor the complex as a permanent hub for the administration of justice within Madrid’s urban landscape. Representatives of lawyers as well as procuradores emphasised the urgent need to bring the new infrastructure into operation as soon as possible.