Megaprojects Slated for the Municipality of Seixal

23 April 2018

The municipality of Seixal has entered a phase of breakneck development. There are plans for a number of major tourist projects, including the Eco Resort of Ponta dos Corvos, in the National Ecological Reserve Area, between the Seixal Bay and the Tagus. The new venture will create a new riverine beach just a few kilometres from the capital.

The 2.5 kilometre-sandbank, with a beach, will give rise to nature-related tourism, while permitting the preservation of the environment, through the use of sustainable construction techniques and materials.

“With an unusual natural wealth and proximity to still fairly intact ecosystems, it has enormous appeal to the inhabitants of the surrounding urban areas. It obtained, in 2013, a bathing water classification, the first such in the Tagus estuary. This has led to a strong increase in demand for this place as a leisure area, especially in the summer season,” the local authority explained.

However, it is not the only tourism-based project that is currently planned for the county. In a presentation regarding Seixal’s participation in the Portuguese Real Estate Exhibition (SIL), which will take place at FIL, from October 3 to 7 and where the municipality will be the first to take part in the SIL Cities initiative, the mayor of Seixal, Joaquim Santos, announced several other significant projects that are under development in the municipality.

In addition to the Ponta dos Corvos Eco Resort, the area is awaiting the inauguration of the Hotel Mundet, which is growing out of the former Mundet cork tree factory. Situated on the riverfront, in the heart of Seixal, with a spectacular view of Seixal Bay and the city of Lisbon, the area has excellent potential for the 4- or 5-star hotel. The 3,680 m2 of land holds the possibility of building a three-floor structure and a basement for parking, with a total capacity of more than 150 rooms. As it is a former factory, the hotel is expected to make extensive use of cork. A public auction for the concession is expected in May.

The former Quinta da Trindade is also slated to receive a new hotel. The 15,556-square-meter property, which still has signs of construction that date to the 15th century, is owned by the municipality of Seixal. The Quinta da Trinidade is also located next to Seixal Bay and the Tagus River, the river terminal and the Sport Lisbon and Benfica training centre. The property also benefits from fantastic views of the city of Lisbon. A part of the Seixal-Hotel project, the plans are to install a concept hotel in the existing structures.

The Largo dos Restauradores, located in Seixal’s old urban centre, next to Seixal Bay, is one of the places that has the greatest potential for tourism-based accommodations. The project is also included within the framework of the Seixal Vila-Hotel project and will contribute to urban rehabilitation and the socio-economic dynamisation of the historic centre. The mayor explained that its location next to the Baía do Seixal Nautical Station and the future recreational port, which will have the capacity for 188 vessels, makes Largo dos Restauradores an unequalled location for the construction of a unique hotel.

“This project will create a quality tourist destination and differentiating factor for the municipalities of the left bank of the Tagus, benefiting from its deep connection to the Bay of Seixal’s historical and cultural heritage, traditional vessels and nautical activities in general,” Joaquim Santos stated.

The new Medideira stadium

Another project under development is located next to the Medideira Stadium, which will be upgraded through an intervention that will transform it into the Medideira Municipal Stadium. A complimentary hotel and leisure port that will allow the arrival of seaborne traffic will also be included in the project.

Mayor Santos said that “Seixal is a land with a host of opportunities, and we have worked to make our potentialities known inside and outside of the country. That is why we have participated in several real estate exhibitions, such as in Paris, Lisbon and Cannes, to publicise our projects and raise investments that will benefit the municipality and our inhabitants.” The mayor also noted that it was due to their participation in these big events, where the municipality was also associated with the Lisbon South Bay project, that “soon a major health sciences company will install itself in the municipality.”

In addition to the tourism-based projects, the mayor also mentioned other investments, including the Seixal Urban Park, which he believes will have the best views of Lisbon.

A bridge that will link Seixal to Barreiro

The mayor also referred to the planned 400-meter pedestrian and cycle bridge between Barreiro and Seixal, which will significantly narrow the distance between the two cities.

The mayor emphasised the construction of the new hospital in Seixal, which had been postponed, stating the construction is in progress.

Other projects include the construction of areas for economic activities, namely the Quinta do Castelo (10.6 hectares), Muxito (9.3 hectares), SPEL (32.8 hectares), Pinhal das Freiras (99.7 hectares), Quinta da Prata (12.1 ha), Flor da Mata Sul (15 ha), Brejos da Palmeira (17 ha), Casal do Sapo Industrial Zone (15.6 ha) and Arco Ribeirinho Sul Project, Lisbon South Bay (536 ha).

Additionally, there are the rehabilitation interventions in the ARU – Urban Rehabilitation Areas of Seixal, Arrentela, Amora and Aldeia de Paio Pires, and the completion of the Ribeirinho da Amora Promenade.

Original Story: Diário Imobiliário

Translation: Richard Turner