Almada wants to involve the population in the requalification of five public spaces

Almada City Council wants consulting the population on the requalification of five public spaces throughout the municipality. The five spaces will be chosen by the people, who will also have the opportunity to present ideas and vote on the redevelopment proposals that will be presented. The initiative is called My Neighborhood and starts this week.

The first five participatory sessions will take place between March 13 and April 5, one for each parish/union of parishes. At each meeting, two public spaces will be presented, previously identified by Almada Town Hall; people will be able to make suggestions, ask questions and present ideas for redevelopment. Subsequently, from the two spaces previously identified by parish/union of parishes, a place for intervention will be chosen through an online vote. This voting phase will take place between April 6 and 21.

People involved from idea to work

Once the five sites have been selected, the intervention proposals will be presented to the public, where the community will once again be able to share their ideas and opinions, contributing to the realization phase of the public space (re)qualification project. Once the execution project and the process of launching the contract have been completed, the work will follow. Once completed, the population will have five new public spaces in the municipality to enjoy and will also be involved in this phase, since the idea is that people can, in a spirit of cooperation, also contribute to the prosperity of the new squares and plazas.

The Program My Neighborhood "aims to promote urban and landscape improvement, boost active mobility, accessibility, increase safety and urban comfort, sustainability, access to public art and reduce inequalities in the use of public space"the Almada City Council said in a statement. "In collaboration with the five Parish Unions in the municipality, a participatory program is being developed that involves the educational community, local businesses, civil society organizations, municipal bodies and the local community in the phases of selecting the sites to be intervened in, defining the program, submitting contributions for the realization of the public space requalification project and its subsequent monitoring."

The program kicks off this Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., with the first participatory session taking place at the Maria Lamas Municipal Library, in Monte da Caparica. This session concerns the União de Freguesias de Caparica e Trafaria, where two venues have been selected: the Largo Manuel Arriaga, in Trafaria; and Largo da Torre, in Monte da Caparica. You can find out more about the program My Neighborhood here.

The calendar of sessions

Take note of the five participatory launch sessions:

The locations

Here are the 10 public spaces identified by Almada Town Hall, and the following texts are the responsibility of Almada Town Hall (we have only reproduced them):

Caparica and Trafaria

Largo da Torre, Caparica

Framework: This is a rural area that is still reminiscent of the old Quinta da Torre. Close to the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL/FCT), the square is currently framed by old buildings of heritage interest and recent road infrastructures, such as the Av. Timor Lorosae, whose opening has contributed to its de-characterization.

Diagnosis: This is a sizable area with good access to public transport (MST and buses). There is a lack of definition in the use of the area and in the existing roads, with two variants (lanes) running off to the north. There are old structures, buildings and walls in ruins that belonged to the former Quinta da Torre, which constitute heritage that should be preserved, valued and promoted. Bulhão Pato lived in the building to the south of the square.

Idea: creation of a square, giving priority to meeting spaces and increasing permeable areas by reinforcing the green structure through the planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. The intervention should also promote the restructuring of the road network, the pedestrian connection to the UNL/FCT campus and the enhancement of the historical and cultural heritage that characterizes the site.

Manuel de Arriaga Square, Trafaria

Framework: space located in the Historic Core and in the Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) of Trafaria. It is surrounded by several buildings that have already been rehabilitated under this program. From Largo Manuel de Arriaga you have access to the Municipal Market (loading and unloading), the Trafaria Mortuary Chapel and the S. Pedro Parish Center.

Diagnosis: This is a very central area in the town of Trafaria, paved with glass. At the beginning of Largo Manuel de Arriaga stands the Trafaria Fountain, dating from 1948, framed by two rectangular flowerbeds. The square has abusive parking on the sidewalks and universal accessibility is not guaranteed; the fountain is in a poor state of repair.

Idea: improve the urban image by consolidating the authenticity of the place. The proposal to reorganize the road structure in this square is intended to frame and enhance the Trafaria Fountain (once it has been restored) with a tree-lined square, reinforcing the green structure and providing seating areas that promote neighbourhood experiences. As well as guaranteeing universal accessibility, the redevelopment of this public space also aims to renovate the street furniture as a way of encouraging leisure.

Almada, Cova da Piedade, Pragal and Cacilhas

Rua Quinta da Horta/Rua Marquesa de Alorna, Pragal

Framework: interstitial space located in a consolidated urban area, to the south of the "Almada Atlético Clube" sports complex and adjacent to the "AIPICA" facilities. This space is marked by the steep slope of the terrain, where buildings have been built on levels at very different heights, served by streets with little formal parking.

Diagnosis: space located inside an urban block, with pedestrian access via several streets, hampered by abusive parking. It develops on a south-facing slope, with a large difference in elevation between the north and south tops. Halfway up the slope is a dilapidated and disused multi-sports field. The surrounding slopes are stabilized with well-developed plantations. Some of the trees have good vegetative growth, which is compatible with the species and should be preserved. There are still unfinished pedestrian areas with little connection to the residential buildings.

Idea: improving universal accessibility to promote social interaction and the urban environment, by reinforcing the green structure, new street furniture and converting the multi-sports court into a pedestrian plaza.

Rua Eduardo Tavares, Cova da Piedade

Framework: space located in a consolidated urban area, surrounded by 3/4-storey buildings from the 1950s/60s. The landscaped public space resolves the existing unevenness through slopes and accesses the various buildings at different levels.

Diagnosis: Formal urban garden dating from the 1960s/70s, with occasional rehabilitation interventions. The area is contained between the façades of residential buildings and roads. A compartmentalized space with planted areas and pedestrian zones, which over time have become distorted and degraded. The entire direct surroundings of this space are occupied by abusive car parking, making pedestrian circulation difficult.

Idea: reconverting and updating this space as a formal garden, with a view to strengthening social interaction; renovating the street furniture, strengthening the green structure and transferring the existing seating area to the west to the central square, where it is also proposed to install a kiosk/bar with a terrace. The parking areas adjacent to Avenida Rainha D. Leonor and Rua Eduardo Tavares should be reformulated and reorganized. It is also planned to relocate the Urban Solid Waste disposal areas.

Charneca de Caparica and Sobreda

Rua Abel Salazar/Rua Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, Charneca da Caparica

Framework: space located in a densely built-up area, with a reticulated urban fabric and no landmarks. It is characterized by the exclusive presence of single-family homes and a limited range of places to meet and socialize.

Diagnosis: This is a totally permeable area, without any type of built intervention. It is in a naturalized state, without morphological accidents, with large trees in good phytosanitary condition that we consider important to preserve. With good conditions for universal accessibility, this site is naturally suitable for creating an area for recreation and nature sports. It is currently abused as a dumping ground for construction waste and road crossings.

​Idea: creation of a space for nature sports and social interaction. The plan is to install a tree climbing trail of reduced difficulty and complementary sports equipment, seating areas with a picnic area and children's play equipment. The green structure should also be rehabilitated and reinforced with new planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Rua Vitor Péon, Sobreda

Framework: space located inside a U-shaped block built in the 1970s and adjacent to the Elias Garcia Primary School. In the public spaces to the east, there is a children's playground and the "Sobreda Basketball Court". The streets are not very formalized and have no edges. The footpaths are informal and untreated.

Diagnosis: generously sized area, with considerable differences in altitude resulting in extensive areas of slope. Degraded public space, with dirt tracks and construction debris. Abusive and disorderly car parking occupying pedestrian circulation areas. Some trees show good vegetative development compatible with the species, which should be preserved. Unfinished pedestrian areas, hindering access to residential buildings.

Idea: the creation of a space for social interaction, which will reinforce the identity and image of the neighbourhood, thus formalizing the "Vitor Péon Garden" (cartoonist). The aim is to regulate parking and traffic, create new seating areas, reorganize and reinforce the existing green structure by planting new plant material and stabilizing slopes. Universal accessibility will be guaranteed throughout the space.

Costa da Caparica

Church of N. S.ª da Conceição/Av. 1.º Maio, Costa da Caparica

Framework: public space surrounding the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, located next to the main entrance to the city and access to the sea wall and beaches. The surrounding area has residential, commercial and service uses.

Diagnosis: streets located in the central area of the town of Costa da Caparica next to the 19th century Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which succeeded the small wooden and thatched-roof church built by the first inhabitants of Costa da Caparica. This is a partially pedestrianized area of historical importance to the Costa da Caparica community. The streets show abusive parking occupying the sidewalks; the planted or wooded areas are in a poor state of repair and the sidewalks and markers of the pedestrian zone are degraded.

Idea: improve the urban image by reinforcing the green structure and increasing permeable areas. With the proposed reorganization of the road structure around the church and the subsequent formalization of parking in Rua Teixeira da Cunha, the aim is to create a large, tree-lined square with seating areas that will promote neighbourhood experiences. Its requalification will also be helped by the installation of street furniture, which will enhance the urban landscape and the social and leisure function intended for this space.

Rua Mestre Salvador Catita/Rua Mestre Adrião, Costa da Caparica

Framework: streets located in the first Fishermen's Quarter of Costa da Caparica. It is essentially used for residential purposes, with small masonry buildings that are the evolution of the original wooden "palheiros", and the pedestrianized street space is used as a place for socializing.

Diagnosis: This is a very central and partially pedestrianized area with great historical importance for the Costa da Caparica fishing community. Nowadays, it's a tourist hotspot. In Rua Mestre Salvador Catita (Rua 14), the pedestrian sidewalks are in a poor state of repair and there is abusive parking along the stretch of road. Rua Mestre Adrião (Rua 15), which is entirely pedestrianized, is the most colourful and authentic street on the Costa da Caparica, with paintings on the ground made by the local residents, with quatrains alluding to the beach and fishing, an identity mark that must be preserved and supported.

Idea: strengthening the identity, consolidating the simplicity and authenticity of this place. The aim is to improve and enhance the urban image of these streets, supporting initiatives such as "Pinturas na Rua 15" and extending the concept to the so-called Rua 14, promoting Urban Art through the "Pintura na rua 14" initiative, to be carried out with the collaboration of local residents and artists. It is also proposed to install mobile street furniture that allows for the installation of vegetation, encourages leisure and boosts social interaction and community spirit.

Laranjeiro and Feijó

Praceta Bento de Jesus Caraça, Laranjeiro

Framework: space located in a residential area with first floor shops, framed by 4-storey buildings that form a U-shaped block, opening to the south onto the busy Rua Bento de Jesus Caraça.

Diagnosis: The large size of the existing plane trees makes for favorable climatic comfort in an urban environment. The lack of steep slopes means that there are accessible spaces in terms of pedestrian mobility, conducive to socializing and leisure, close to the residential buildings. There is no children's or sports equipment. There are only a few garden benches and small retaining walls, which need to be maintained.

Idea: creation of the Bento de Jesus Caraça (mathematician) Garden as a space for social and intergenerational interaction. The intention is to reinforce the green structure by creating permeable areas and new plantings of herbaceous and shrub species, as well as maintaining the existing plane trees, which provide shade in the summer and sun in the winter. New street furniture should be installed and universal access to the space should be guaranteed.

Praceta Oliveira Martins, Feijó

Framework: This expectant area, accessible via Praceta de Oliveira Martins, is located behind the Parish Church of São José Operário and the Community Center. The space, punctuated by large stone pines, consists of a flat platform, surrounded by steep slopes that descend to the Municipal Sports Complex.

Diagnosis: the space is totally permeable and has never been treated or used in any way, and there is a feeling of insecurity in its use. There are some informal footpaths resulting from the use of crossing routes. Naturalized space with examples of native trees in a good state of health, with an incipient presence of shrub and herbaceous strata.

Idea: to create a safe and functional space, easily usable and walkable, by organizing the network of pedestrian paths and the road link to Praceta de Oliveira Martins. A sports park/circuit will be created, with the installation of fitness equipment to complement the existing equipment in the surrounding area. It is also intended to create leisure and relaxation areas to contemplate the unobstructed views and to install a dog park. Relevant trees should be preserved and the rest of the green structure reinforced.