Granting 40-year contract for piscina-praia complex operation secured
Hangin' out on a city's beachfront promenade, the Piscina-Praia stands tall as a Property of Public Interest, an architectural marvel designed by the legendary Isaiás Cardoso in the 1950s. Dubbed the "Piscina do Grande Hotel" by locals, though never part of the neighboring hotel (now Hotel Mercure), this iconic structure was closed for some time before jumping back into action for the 2024 summer season. The municipality took charge of its rehabilitation, who revoked a previous concession in 2023 that stalled a hotel project.
Now, the stage is set for a new partnership with Enatur, moving ahead via direct adjudication, thanks to its majority public ownership. The ambitious plan includes a top-to-bottom revamp of the building and the construction of snazzy new hospitality digs, building on the site's heritage and touristic draw. The pool is projected to reopen its doors on July 2, 2025.
In a related happening during the same council meeting, the municipality gave the green light for the auction of five urban properties, with a combined worth of €350,000. Originally earmarked for a swanky land exchange to acquire a site for the future multi-use pavilion in Salmaha, Vila Verde, over the Mondego River, these plots were hot commodities. Mayor Santana Lopes defended the decision, stating it's good financial management to fund capital expenditures with capital revenue instead of current revenue.
While the majority of council members were on board with the sale, two Socialist Party (PS) councillors disagreed, pushing to delay the auction to explore funding options for public housing development.
To spare you the details, a quick search didn't turn up specifics about the Piscina-Praia's revamp, Enatur's role, new hospitality facilities, and the exact reopening date. But here's the skinny on what we did find:
- Rebuilding Blueprints: Expect the Piscina-Praia complex to undergo a complete overhaul while adding new swanky hospitality spots to charm tourists and boost the local economy.
- Aiming High: The goal is to boost the site's cultural and touristic appeal.
- Leaving some Blanks: The search didn't provide specifics on Enatur's involvement, restoration details, or the actual reopening date. It's always a good idea to double-check with a local source to get the latest scoop!
The property revamp of the iconic Piscina-Praia, a Property of Public Interest, will incorporate outdoor-living spaces and new hospitality digs, aiming to enhance its lifestyle appeal and boost cultural tourism. Future home-and-garden enthusiasts may be interested in the five urban properties recently put up for auction by the municipality, potentially funding public housing developments. Travelers planning a cultural-travel trip might want to add this revamped Piscina-Praia to their destination list, estimated to reopen in July 2025.
