The President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, has revealed plans to convert a disused seafront building in Seixal into housing for young people, as part of efforts to encourage residents to remain in the area.
However, the proposal remains dependent on an assessment of the available space and the resolution of legal issues surrounding the donation of the property. The building had originally been earmarked for a healthcare facility or services for elderly residents.
“At this moment, our idea and our priority is to create youth housing there. Let us see whether we can legally do it,” Albuquerque said.
The Regional Government President also dismissed concerns that current levels of public investment could eventually lead to an oversupply of housing. He recalled that, during his time as mayor of Funchal, the municipality supported the construction of approximately 1,100 homes.
Albuquerque argued that continued public intervention is necessary to influence the housing market and make properties more affordable.
“The only way to allow the market to work is for the State to intervene, directly or indirectly, to lower prices for those who need it, particularly young couples who are starting their lives,” he said.
Turning to the preventive planning measures introduced for the Amparo area of Funchal, Albuquerque said they had been agreed with Funchal City Council and did not undermine the municipality’s autonomy.
He explained that any increase in permitted building heights or construction capacity would be conditional upon developers providing affordable or price-controlled housing.
“We are not going to build affordable housing only in peripheral areas. This increase in construction capacity is intended to serve the collective interest: ensuring that people have access to housing in a decent area, with all the necessary conditions and at an affordable price,” he concluded.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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