The high demand for shopping centres in the Loulé area is now worrying the council which has commissioned a study by the University of the Algarve.
"The council decided to ask the University to undertake a study that will anticipate the impact on the local economy of the opening of new shopping centers," according to mayor, Victor Aleixo.
The mayor's statement was made in the week that an environmental impact study was opened for public comment for another proposed shopping centre, this time in Almancil and fronted by supermarket Apolónia, whose intended location is just a few kilometres from the controversial IKEA site near the Algarve Stadium.
"When I arrived as mayor of Loulé council it had several processes already underway with some of the administrative steps already completed. The council since has recently received more proposals," said Aleixo who does not hide his belief that the county has no capacity for more large shopping centres.
The mayor said the University study will be completed in just over three months and even if it does not stop construction projects that are in the advanced stages of approval, it may impact on future proposals.
See also: http://www.algarvedailynews.com/news/2573-supermarket-apolonia-plans-a-shopping-centre-in-almancil
http://www.algarvedailynews.com/news/2476-ikea-fate-will-be-decided-in-the-next-two-weeks
