Playa del Carmen’s New Plan: Land Bank & Better Transit

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Architects in Playa del Carmen have proposed integrating a land bank and enhancing mobility strategies in the city’s updated Urban Development Program (PDU-CP), aiming to ensure equitable housing access and prevent uncontrolled urban sprawl. The proposal draws inspiration from cities like Mérida, Madrid, and Copenhagen, prioritizing compact, sustainable development with efficient transportation.

Land Bank to Regulate Housing Market

Manuel Alfonso Barrero, president of the Riviera Maya College of Architects, emphasized the need for a land bank during participatory workshops for the new PDU. Currently, Playa del Carmen has 20,000 hectares of urbanizable land, with approximately 11,000 hectares earmarked for expansion by 2030. These areas, located primarily in the northern environmental management units 10 and 11, already have existing urban infrastructure.

“We should incorporate all possible land uses in this zone, including a land bank to regulate the real estate market and facilitate housing access for all social sectors, whether or not they have credit,” Barrero stated.

Addressing Mobility and Urban Fragmentation

Barrero stressed the importance of aligning growth with Playa del Carmen’s coastal urbanization pattern, which requires longitudinal development to utilize existing infrastructure. He warned that without proper planning for roads, public transport, and services, the city risks worsening mobility issues and urban fragmentation.

“We must utilize vacant urban spaces from the outset, creating avenues, parks, and schools proactively rather than reactively. The only real way to reduce car dependency is through efficient public transport and pedestrian-friendly urban design,” he explained.

International and National Models as References

The new PDU takes cues from cities like Copenhagen, Madrid, and Mérida. Barrero highlighted Mérida’s La Plancha Park and its integration with the Tren Maya station as a replicable model for Playa del Carmen, where the railway station is already spurring urban growth in the western part of the city.

“We need two main mobility axes: east-west and north-south. Only then can we effectively connect new developments with job centers and services,” he added.

Public Participation and Next Steps

Barrero noted that the biggest challenge in drafting the new PDU is ensuring coordination among all levels of government while incorporating technical and public input. Open workshops with the community are ongoing, with a formal public consultation scheduled for November.

Regarding housing types, he emphasized the need for a compact city that includes diverse housing options—social, market-driven, and virtual—without sacrificing inclusivity or sustainability.

“A compact city doesn’t mean uniformity. It should offer all types of housing with inclusive and sustainable criteria,” he concluded.