The future of Curauma, Chile.
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Valparaíso, 2024 - In the heart of Chile’s Fifth Region, Curauma emerged in the mid-90s as an innovative project: a satellite city designed to ease congestion in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Today, with a population nearing 45,000 and a growth rate that has tripled in 20 years, Curauma has become one of the most dynamic urban developments in the region. The city has not only impacted the local economy and employment but is also projected to expand toward the neighboring Las Cenizas estate, opening doors for strategic growth.
What started as an accessible and well-connected housing solution has evolved into a vibrant and ever-growing city. With over 15,000 homes built and a service center with more than 100 businesses—including supermarkets, pharmacies, and retail shops—Curauma has attracted thousands of young families seeking better living conditions and connectivity. In the educational sphere, the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso has established a thriving academic community here, with over 4,500 students and 500 employees, making Curauma a lively gathering spot.
Social, Economic, and Employment Impact
Over the past two decades, Curauma’s transformation has driven a significant economic boost for the region, with over $500 million in real estate investments. This boom has generated 8,000 jobs in construction and local commerce, while the service sector has created approximately 1,500 direct jobs. Public investment has also played a crucial role, with over $23 million USD allocated to improving water, electricity, and road infrastructure to meet the rising demand in a region that views Curauma as an “economic lung,” relieving urban pressure on Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
Expansion to Las Cenizas
The neighboring Las Cenizas estate, with its 4,950 acres of available land, is seen as the ideal opportunity to continue Curauma’s development. Enabled by a change in land use in the Valparaíso Metropolitan Regulatory Plan (Premval, 2014), Las Cenizas is set to transform into a high-density urban extension, designated for mixed residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The authorized development density will accommodate up to 100 residents per acre in residential zones, allowing for the construction of up to 25,000 new homes in the next decade. This controlled densification, which includes buildings up to five stories tall, maximizes land use and ensures balanced urban growth. Additionally, of the total 4,942 acres, 1,236 will be set aside to create a Natural Park in the heart of the estate, providing an essential balance between urban development and nature.
Natural Park in Las Cenizas
The planned 1,200-acre natural park at the center of Las Cenizas is envisioned as a true green lung for the community, offering recreational and leisure areas and preserving native ecosystems to promote biodiversity and bridge urban life with nature. This combination of a natural park with planned expansion positions the Las Cenizas estate as a model of balanced development, where urbanization and environmental conservation coexist harmoniously, aligning with Premval’s sustainability objectives for Greater Valparaíso.
The Las Cenizas expansion not only involves a real estate investment estimated at $700 million but could also double Curauma’s population, adding up to 45,000 new residents and positioning it as one of the fastest-growing areas in Chile. The expansion is planned to include upgrades in road and public transportation connections, such as the expansion of the Troncal Sur Highway and new access routes that will ease mobility between Curauma and Greater Valparaíso, consolidating Las Cenizas as part of this thriving urban area.
Curauma’s Strategic Connectivity
Curauma has distinguished itself for its strategic connectivity. The Troncal Sur Highway connects the city to Valparaíso in under 15 minutes and Santiago in about 90 minutes, making it a critical transit hub for the region. However, this growth brings challenges, as 60% of residents work or study outside the city, putting a strain on public transportation. Each day, over 10,000 passengers rely on buses and shared taxis, leading to peak-hour congestion and increased pressure on road infrastructure. The expansion requires a transportation plan that not only meets current demand but anticipates the population growth that Las Cenizas will bring.
The Bright Future of Curauma and Las Cenizas
Curauma’s growth model is already an example of how thoughtful urban planning can revitalize a region. The expansion toward Las Cenizas broadens the possibilities for urban development, solidifying Curauma as an economic, social, and residential hub for the Fifth Region. The future of this satellite city and its expansion into Las Cenizas hinges on strategic decisions that consider transportation infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and the creation of accessible public spaces and services.
With a vision of orderly and sustainable development, Curauma and Las Cenizas have the potential to become one of the most innovative urban areas in Chile—a growth model that not only supports the regional economy but also promotes quality of life and natural preservation.
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