Beyond the construction of the future Arts and Entertainment Center of Viseu (AEVIS) – set to rise next to the cybernetic fountain roundabout, with a gross construction area of 13,482 square meters – additional projects are planned, including the redesigning of Avenida Capitão Homem Ribeiro, construction of health units, revitalization of the central stretch of Avenida da Europa, and rehabilitation of the Dão Regional Wine Commission (CVR) building.
“This is perhaps the largest urban redevelopment project undertaken in Viseu,” emphasized the mayor, Fernando Ruas, during the presentation of the preliminary design of AEVIS.
The mayor noted that “the city has grown and will continue to grow towards the southern part because the necessary infrastructure has been built,” but the goal is for the northern part “to undergo substantive redevelopment to achieve balance.”
According to Fernando Ruas, a new central area will emerge around AEVIS, a cultural venue designed for large-scale events and shows, featuring 1,000 interior seats and an additional 760 in the outdoor auditorium.
“This space, now seemingly established as a parking lot, was originally acquired to develop an arts center,” he recalled.
The future cultural facility is “a necessary response to the vibrant activity observed in the municipality,” stated Fernando Ruas, addressing complaints about the lack of a venue for major shows in Viseu.
The seven-floor building will feature a 542-square-meter stage, a panoramic restaurant, a rehearsal room, an exhibition hall, a café-concert area, and an underground parking lot with over a hundred spaces. It “will be the first cultural facility in the country to achieve LEED certification, an international benchmark for sustainable buildings,” he highlighted.
The initial step, to begin “immediately,” involves demolishing the old PT building. The project was awarded today, marking “an expansion of the available area” for the arts center, explained Fernando Ruas.
Regarding the redesign of Avenida Capitão Homem Ribeiro, the mayor stated that it will be expanded to eliminate current bottlenecks, resulting in a “bypass profile.”
Near the old CVR Dão building, where barrels currently exist, the Shared Resources Unit (URAP), Public Health Unit (USP), Community Care Unit (UCC), and Counseling and Detection Center (CAD) will be established.
On land along Avenida da Europa, buildings will be constructed to host the Family Health Units (USF) Infante D. Henrique, Lusitana, Alves Martins, and Viseu Cidade.
“These will be two symmetrical modules connected by a canopy, allowing each building to house two USFs, sharing common spaces including parking,” noted Fernando Ruas.
Regarding the CVR building rehabilitation, which has been illegally occupied “by families in need,” the mayor mentioned the aim is for it to once again host the commission’s services.
This shift will free the current Solar do Vinho do Dão (former Episcopal Palace of Viseu) to become “a center dedicated to culture,” he revealed.
Fernando Ruas explained that an agreement is in place for the building to be transferred to the municipality, enabling it to carry out the work given the CVR’s “technical and organizational incapacity.” Subsequently, the municipality will transfer the building back to the commission.
This “revolution” in the northern part of the city is expected to cost “several millions of euros, certainly more than 50 million euros,” the mayor added, noting that current figures are only indicative.
