The project we are launching today is a continuation of an idea dating back to the late 20th century when architects Vittorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado first envisioned it, stated Nuno Vassallo e Silva, chairman of the board of the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) Foundation, during the contract signing ceremony.
The surface rights sublease contract for the construction and operation of a hotel and commercial area, spanning 65 years, was signed today following an international tender for the construction of CCB modules 4 and 5, which was awarded to the Alves Ribeiro group.
The project, initiated in October 2023, involves approximately 80 million euros in investment.
The construction of these new modules was part of the architectural project originally designed in the 1990s by architects Vittorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado/Atelier Risco, alongside modules 1, 2, and 3, which house the Conference and Meeting Centre, the Performing Arts Centre, and the Exhibition Centre, now the MAC/CCB Museum.
Vassalo e Silva described the venture as an homage to the architects and predecessors at the CCB who envisioned and persevered to develop the space that is now an identity of Lisbon and will continue to evolve.
He highlighted the decades-long journey to complete a project that was never fully realized, particularly focusing on the pedestrian pathway linking Praça do Império to the Torre de Belém envisioned by Gregotti and Salgado.
Vassallo e Silva believes the project will enhance the area’s attractiveness, generate revenue, boost the cultural and artistic sectors, and make the CCB increasingly sustainable.
The land will be handed over shortly, with construction work and some excavations set to begin this year, aiming for a July 16, 2029 opening.
The project schedule indicates geotechnical surveys will occur from July 21 to September 30 this year, followed by demolition and excavation from July 2, 2026, to January 12, 2027.
The architectural and specialty work will proceed from June 25, 2027, to May 30, 2029.
The development will include a hotel with 161 double rooms, an aparthotel with 126 units, and a commercial center with new services, covering approximately 32,500 square meters.
The financial sustainability of the CCB, emphasized Vassallo e Silva, is crucial, with new revenue streams increasing self-generated income.
Starting today, a staggered annual rent will begin at 350,000 euros, eventually reaching 1.25 million euros in 40 years, he stated.
Accordingly, the phased plan charges rent at 350,000 euros for the first four years, 650,000 euros from the fifth to the tenth year, 1,000,000 euros from the 11th to the 40th year, and 1,250,000 euros thereafter up to the 65th year.
This is a very significant value, the CCB president remarked, noting that the financial responsibility for the construction lies with Alves Ribeiro.
Vassallo e Silva also disclosed forthcoming news related to the introduction of a unified ticket connecting various institutions, starting with CCB, MAAT — Museu de Arte Arquitetura e Tecnologia, and the Julião Sarmento Pavilion.
This unique ticket will offer a 20% discount compared to the standard admission prices and will be launched soon, likely within the year.
Our perspective and CCB’s intention, as a driving force for this project of integrating various contemporary art facilities, is to extend this to other district venues in Belém, and we are already in discussions with MACAM [Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins], he explained.
A concept under review for the CCB by designer Nuno Gusmão includes developing an “arts block” inspired by the seven classic arts.
This initiative features indoor and outdoor spaces with art pieces, including reinterpreted Portuguese pavement designs, engraved poetry, sculptures, projections, and paintings by young Portuguese artists, the project author elaborated today.
The commercial spaces aim to attract artists and craftsmen, functioning as studios, shops, and eateries in an “open-door” format, the artist added.
The plan also includes a multifunctional cinema seating 55 and minimalist style hotel rooms featuring Portuguese design elements, along with a “luxury” restaurant overlooking the river, Nuno Gusmão further noted.
Despite unveiling details of the arts block project, Vassallo e Silva clarified that it is not yet a finalized concept and no announcements will be made at this time.
The ongoing work is aimed at enhancing the Belém area, and the arts block represents just an idea, a direction to pursue.
The CCB is not finished, perhaps never will be, as it is always in motion and evolving, concluded Vassallo e Silva.
