Fund launches competition for six more vacant properties

The Revive Natureza Fund launched six competitions this Monday for the requalification and valorization of vacant public properties in the districts of Coimbra (two), Castelo Branco (two), Guarda and Lisbon, with the deadline ending on November 6.

"This project operates at a local level and can make a substantial difference in inland areas, making it an extraordinary factor in economic growth and local job creation," emphasized Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal.

The launch took place on Monday afternoon, in Figueira da Foz, on the coast of the district of Coimbra, the municipality where the restoration of the Casa Florestal das Regalheiras, on the Costa de Lavos, and the former Quiaios tax office are planned, in a ceremony in which the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services did not participate, as planned.

The competition also included two properties in the Castelo Branco district — the former Monte Fidalgo tax office, in the municipality of Vila Velha de Ródão, and Casa Xavier, in the municipality of Vila de Rei.

This set of old buildings to be renovated also includes the Corredoura Mills, in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, in the municipality of Celorico da Beira, district of Guarda, and the Abrigada forestry building, in the municipality of Alenquer, district of Lisbon.

"Sustained and intelligent tourism growth depends on the ability to transform, qualify, and enhance territories, making them increasingly intelligent and competitive . This means going to every corner of the country, examining the existing resources, valuing them, and enabling them to produce," emphasized the president of Turismo de Portugal.

In this competition, the Revive Natureza Fund, managed by Fomento — Real Estate Investment Funds, launched for the first time a property belonging to a municipality (Vila de Rei), although with the expectation that other municipal buildings will be integrated into this program.

According to administrator Rita Lavado, interested parties have until November 6 to submit their applications, which will be evaluated based on whether they meet criteria such as creating local jobs, whether candidates are located in the municipality where the property is located or in neighboring municipalities, and whether they demonstrate investments in environmental sustainability and innovative features.

Since July 2020, 64 competitions have been launched and closed, relating to 36 properties that are part of the Revive Natureza Fund and 29 railway stations identified in the protocol signed between Fomento — Fundos and Infraestruturas de Portugal Património.

In total, 436 applications were submitted and analyzed.

To date, 33 of the properties managed by the Revive Natureza Fund have been awarded, of which 22 have signed contracts and 12 have already been restored and are in operation.