In the presentation of the project, the councillor of the Municipality of Faro Sophie Matias stated that the architectural intervention should take place in four phases, estimating that the first two will be completed by 2027, the year in which Faro could potentially be European Capital of Culture, if it receives the title.
The project foresees the expansion of the area of the Municipal Museum of Faro, located next to the old factory, creating new exhibition areas, as well as the construction of two new buildings and the requalification of the surrounding public space, added the official during the session.
According to the architect, a new building will be built at the rear of the factory, where support rooms for music production will be created - with the ability to transform into other valences -, and another at Praça Afonso III, which will serve as support in the relationship between the Municipal Museum and the Beer Factory.
“Regardless of Faro becoming the capital of culture, the Fábrica da Cerveja process has no return. We want it to be, clearly, a beacon in the area of culture”, emphasised the official, remembering the “vicissitudes” and the “advances and setbacks of different projects” that were designed for the space.
Located in Vila Adentro, next to the old wall of the Algarve capital, opposite the Ria Formosa, the building was built between 1930 and 1940 in an area that began to be occupied by manufacturing facilities at the end of the 19th century, including a distillation factory, between 1904 and 1935.
Classified as a property of public interest, the space was acquired by the Chamber in 1998 and was up for auction twice, at a time when the municipality was struggling with financial difficulties, however - and "fortunately", according to Paulo Santos - no buyers appeared.