Another new retail park coming to Portimao

Western Algarve's largest shopping centre unveiled
31/10/2009

Last Thursday the largest shopping centre in the Western Algarve, Aqua Portimão, was publicly unveiled at a press conference attended by regional dignitaries, future shop owners, and the media.

Excluding the Jumbo hypermarket which will soon take shape within Aqua Portimão, the centre represents an investment of around €106 million.

Set to open at the beginning of 2011, it comprises 132 shops, 7 key stores and more than 20 restaurants all spread over three floors.

Covering an area of 35,500 square metres (including the 11,750 square metre Jumbo hypermarket) it will further provide 1,800 parking spaces in a three-story car park.

Being located in the Algarve's second largest city, Aqua Portimão expects to cater for more than 188,000 residents from a catchment area of 30-minute's driving distance.

During summer that number is expect to increase four-fold.

Aqua executives aim for the shopping centre to offer a leisurely experience as well as being an area of commerce. This objective is being translated into reality with a modern, contemporary architectural design based on quality, comfort and well-being.

At the forefront of architect's concerns are environmental and sustainability issues. The centre has been designed to be one of the city's lowest energy-consuming buildings and will directly create 1,500 jobs.

Numerous well-known national and international brands will be found within Aqua Portimão, including modern and fashionable local concepts.

Created by Sua Kay architects and co-owned by Klépierre and Generali Immobiliaire, Aqua Portimão is being constructed by Bouygues Real Estate and promoted and managed by Ségécé Portugal.

According to Aniceto Viegas, General Director of Bouygues Real Estate, "Aqua Portimão is a commercial area that will provide answers to the needs of the local population and fit naturally within the dynamic development that the region has been experiencing".

"Aqua Portimão confirms Klépierre, Ségécé and Generalli's will to invest in Portugal, and is a matter of pride for us as we have noticed that even in moments of adversity that we have been through, we have still created more jobs and contributed to the commercial dynamics of a region that is in full development", added Luís Pires, General Director of Klépierre and Ségécé Iberia.

Recently re-elected Portimão Mayor, Manuel da Luz also praised the future Aqua Portimão by saying "It is an investment that represents a municipal strategy to invest in quality and will create yet another point of attraction for the City".

"This project had to be one of excellence as Portimão wants to invest in quality", he added.

Source The Portugal news