Porto's Boavista District Transformation: New El Corte Inglés Anchors Major Urban Development with New Housing
A significant urban renewal project is set to redefine a prime section of Porto's Boavista district, with a new El Corte Inglés store serving as the centerpiece of a multifaceted development on land owned by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP). The project, which has been advancing through municipal services since 2021, will be developed on the 22,000-square-meter site of the former Porto-Boavista Railway Station, introducing new roads, a major commercial hub, and a substantial residential component.
The approved plans detail the construction of two new roads to enhance local circulation and integrate the development into the urban fabric. The first, designated 'Rua A', will extend 156 meters to connect Rua 5 de Outubro with Avenida da França. A second, 'Rua B', will span 179 meters, linking Rua de Helena Sá e Costa to 'Rua A'. According to a descriptive brief from July 2025, these new thoroughfares are critical for providing access to the El Corte Inglés building, the new Casa da Música metro station, and the Metro do Porto headquarters, creating a new nexus of activity and transit.
The project's architectural vision is being led by MVCC Arquitetos, under the direction of Camilo Cortesão, who was also responsible for the design of the metrobus stations along the prestigious Avenida da Boavista. The development plan, approved in a Prior Information Request (PIP) from September 2020, divides the IP-owned land into three distinct parcels. The largest, Plot 1, measuring 8,147 square meters, is allocated for the El Corte Inglés store. The structure will comprise three subterranean floors and six floors above ground, reaching a maximum height of 25 meters. The total building area for commercial use is set at 52,613 square meters, supplemented by 19,490 square meters for parking and technical areas.
An urbanization contract outlines the terms of the agreement between the municipality, IP, and El Corte Inglés. The Spanish retail group will pay IP €29.4 million for the surface rights to the plot, securing a 99-year lease that is renewable for an additional 45 years. This long-term commitment from a major international retailer underscores the project's commercial significance and the attractiveness of the Porto market. A representative for El Corte Inglés noted, 'We are excited to establish a new flagship location in Porto, a dynamic and growing city. This development in Boavista is a perfect opportunity to create a premier shopping destination that is fully integrated with the city's life and infrastructure.'
While the El Corte Inglés store is the commercial anchor, the project also addresses the city's housing needs. The two smaller plots, with a combined area of 3,980 square meters, will be retained by IP for a residential development. The state-owned company plans to construct 100 new homes on this land, with a small portion also designated for services. This residential element is a crucial aspect of the project, promising to bring new residents to the heart of one of Porto's most sought-after districts. An official from Infraestruturas de Portugal stated, 'Our goal is to maximize the value of this public asset not just for commercial return, but for the benefit of the city. The inclusion of 100 new housing units contributes directly to Porto's housing supply in a central, high-value location.'
The journey to this point has been a long one, originating with a promissory contract signed between IP's predecessor, REFER, and El Corte Inglés in July 2000. After years of amendments and planning, the path was cleared for construction with the formal declassification of the old railway station from the state's public domain, a decision published in the Diário da República on February 8, 2022, which confirmed its demolition. This final administrative step unlocked the potential of the long-dormant site.
The project's impact is expected to be far-reaching. The creation of new streets and the potential for rerouted bus lines will improve mobility around the Boavista roundabout, a notorious traffic bottleneck. The combination of a major commercial destination, modern office space for Metro do Porto, and new residences will create a vibrant, mixed-use environment. This urban regeneration is poised to significantly increase property values in the surrounding area, making it a focal point for real estate investors monitoring the Porto market. The development serves as a powerful indicator of sustained investment and planned growth in Portugal's second-largest city.
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