The planned clear-out of abandoned properties along Monte Gordo’s beach front has started with the demolition of two old seaside buildings.
The damaged and abandoned properties (see below) are the first of a series of clearances to make way for Monte Gordo’s planned upgrade.
Two illegal structures are being removed and other demolitions will start after the holiday season to minimise inconvenience to this summer’s holidaymakers.
Vila Real de Santo António’s mayor, Luís Gomes, commented in an interview with Sul Informação that "There are those who fear demolitions. We in VRSA, do not. We want them to go ahead because it means improvement and provides opportunities for businesses."
The mayor was launching a new tourist office at Manta Rota and a new branding for the council’s beaches.
"This work is essential. The beach at Monte Gordo, as it is at the moment, shames us because it no longer meets the quality standards for tourism in today's society. Therefore, it is unacceptable to remain as it is," claimed Gomes.
The Monte Gordo redevelopment is still just a plan and the mayor wants the government to get behind the upgrade of the sea front.
Speaking to Sul Informação, the regional director of the regional environment agency Sebastião Teixeira confirmed that the agency is to draw up a Monte Gordo beach redevelopment plan to be discussed after the current bathing season.
The legal basis for the demolitions are contained in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (POOC) Vilamoura - Vila Real de Santo António, approved in 2005 which has been reviewed over the past year and 11 years later action has been taken.
The Firmo restaurant next to the Monte Gordo Casino and the Celso restaurant on Praia do Coelho now are history.
