- By the end of 2025, this space will accommodate a total of 2,600 people who will be progressively transferred there over the next three years.
- The new offices, designed by the ERRE Arquitectura studio, have been envisaged as an environment that encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange between the different parts of the process, improving agility and execution in the decision-making process.
- As well as being designed for and by people, the new offices are a sustainable space designed to minimise their environmental impact through measures including the use of local production materials (0 kilometre), innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption, and the construction of large internal courtyard gardens to make the most of natural light.
- The project, which began with the inauguration of the Data Process Centre (CPD) and the Service Centre in 2014, is planned to be finished in 2025 with a total investment of €200m.
Mercadona, a physical supermarket and online sales company, has started to transfer a first group of 250 employees to its new offices located in Albalat dels Sorells (Valencia), a move that will be completed at the end of 2025 with the definitive location of 2,600 people in a new, more sustainable workplace that fosters collaboration.
Over the next three years, employees, who currently perform their functions in different centres in other Valencian towns, including Paterna and Tavernes, will be progressively incorporated into these new, innovative facilities in which the company plans to invest a total of €200 million over the three phases of the project.
The first phase of the Albalat dels Sorells project commenced in 2014 with the opening of its Data Process Centre (CPD) and Service Centre, with an investment of €45 million. The second phase was initiated in 2018 with an investment of €100 million to start the construction of these new offices, which are now starting to receive employees and are expected to be completed in 2024. And phase 3, is scheduled to start next year and run until 2025, with an approximate investment of €55 million dedicated to the construction and commissioning of a new Co-innovation Centre.
An innovative, digital project that fosters collaboration
The new offices, designed by the ERRE Arquitectura studio, represent an opportunity to continue moving forward in the digitalisation of the company while fostering collaboration, creativity and knowledge exchange between the different parts of the process, improving agility and execution in the decision-making process.
Developed in response to employee needs and experiences, a total of 15 different types of environments have been designed for employees to choose from depending on their everyday tasks. With this new approach, the company is moving from a traditional office-based model to a more collaborative and creative open-space environment. Work will no longer be departmentalised but rather “neighbourhood-based” (areas in which employees share the same process regardless of their department). The specialist supplier BICG was involved in defining this new approach to work.
Furthermore, the building features innovative technological solutions, such as a flexible wireless projection system for sharing information or the ability to control different areas or services via a mobile application.
In addition, employees will have improved shared services, including a large, functional dining room with a varied, healthy and high-quality range of food, and the Kiosko Hacendado, a vending area offering a selection of the assortment available in their supermarkets. Also, once phase 2 is completed, Albalat will have a dedicated car park for employees.
A clear commitment to sustainability and quality of life at Work
As part of its commitment to respecting the environment, Mercadona has introduced significant improvements in these new offices, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. The new offices will have large internal garden courtyards and an east-west orientation, which not only makes maximum use of natural light and reduces energy consumption but also increases comfort for users and helps to absorb pollution and produce oxygen.
Furthermore, the company is using locally sourced or “0-kilometre” materials, thereby minimising its carbon footprint. The project includes the installation of 380 solar panels and a smart building management system to ensure efficient and rational use of resources.
Meanwhile, the company will also incorporate sustainable mobility solutions for the entire workforce at Albalat dels Sorells in collaboration with the Lanzadera acceleration programme, such as promoting carpooling through the supplier HoopCarpool, the use of bicycles in collaboration with Kleta, and a company bus service provided by BusUp. Additionally, the new facilities will have a car park for electric vehicles (with charging spaces in the basement), scooters and bicycles.
Inside of the new Mercadona offices located in Albalat dels Sorells (Valencia).
Project proposal with Phase 3 simulated.
Aerial view of the new Mercadona offices in Albalat dels Sorells (Valencia).
Header image: Aerial view of the new Mercadona offices in Albalat dels Sorells (Valencia).