The proposal for constructing a private student residence on Avenida 5 de Outubro, in the Avenidas Novas district, received approval during a private meeting led by Joana Almeida, the Urban Planning Councillor, elected independently by the “New Times” coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Alliance). The PSD/CDS-PP leadership, which governs without an absolute majority, voted in favor, while the PS abstained.
Opposing votes came from members of the PCP, Livre, Cidadãos Por Lisboa (elected by the PS/Livre coalition), and BE, stated a municipal executive source.
The project, presented by Predurba — Prédios Urbanos SA, involves the construction of a building with ten floors above ground and four underground on a vacant lot at Avenida 5 de Outubro n.º 149. The proposal includes plans for a student residence with 88 housing units and 11 covered parking spaces, accommodating one for loading and unloading, ten bicycles, and six motorcycles.
The PCP opposed the project, criticizing the construction of a private residence in an area where the Government had abandoned a public residence project in the former Ministry of Education building on Avenida 5 de Outubro.
In a statement, the PS council members expressed that Carlos Moedas’ administration (PSD) presented the proposal for constructing a private university residence on Avenida 5 de Outubro, the same avenue where the current government discouraged building a planned affordable residence. “The PS supports private investments and thus allowed this proposal [by abstaining], though it regrets the social stigma that led to abandoning essential city projects, particularly a public and affordable residence for the majority of students,” the PS council stated, highlighting that the lack of public options has spurred price speculation, remaining a primary reason for higher education dropouts.
In response to the opposition’s criticism, the PSD/CDS-PP leadership emphasized that licensing student residences, both public and private, has been a priority since the 2021-2025 term began. “Since October 2021, projects for student residences have been licensed, totaling 5,239 new beds. We do not differentiate between public or private initiatives — all contribute to increasing student accommodation and housing availability in Lisbon,” reinforced the PSD/CDS-PP leadership under social-democratic Carlos Moedas, mentioning the current project will provide 96 beds.
Regarding the public student residence project by Fundiestamo for the former Ministry of Education building, the PSD/CDS-PP leadership noted it was approved by the council in August 2024 after revisions addressed several technical issues in the initial project. “As it’s not municipal property, the city council is naturally not responsible for the construction,” they added.
Similarly, with votes against from PCP, Livre, Cidadãos Por Lisboa (elected by the PS/Livre coalition), and BE, and the PS abstaining, a PSD/CDS-PP-backed proposal for a subdivision operation in Ajuda, featuring three blocks (two for housing with 34 flats and one for a hotel unit), passed.
The Lisbon City Council’s executive consists of seven elected officials from the “New Times” coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Alliance), three from PS, three from Cidadãos Por Lisboa, two from PCP, one from Livre, and one from BE.
