The proposed expansion of the Forum Algarve shopping centre has been criticised by the ‘Com Faro no Coração’ (CFC) civic movement, which is headed by former mayor of Faro José Vitorino.
CFC stressed last week that they believe further development at the shopping outlet would be the death knell to other business activities in the city of Faro.
Recently approved by the municipality of Faro, the expansion of Forum Algarve, which was inaugurated in March 2001, is set to see the current 119 shops, covering 40,000sqm, increase to 175 shops over 55,000sqm. Work is estimated to cost €53 million.
The detailed plan for the Sítio da Má Vontade and Pontes de Marchil is now available for public discussion.
Vitorino said: “At a time of deep crisis, the irresponsible announcement of the go-ahead for an enlarged Forum Algarve represents a fatal blow to the business activity of almost the entire city.”
This decision “comes in addition to other bad decisions already taken by this executive – an expansion of this shopping centre and the opening of a Decathlon store both serve to suck people away from the city centre,” he added.
In a statement, CFC makes a barbed comment at the câmara and the current mayor of Faro, Macário Correia, by saying: “In respect of investments and jobs, the council has a nil role, but it tries to present itself as ‘parents and funders’ of new developments.”
“The council should be known for incompetence that has caused distress and bankruptcy for many companies in the retail, restaurant and service industries, with attendant rises in unemployment.”
New stores expected to open at Forum Algarve are Fnac, Primark and H&M.
With the opening of these additional stores, shopping centre developers Multi Development hope to attract nine million visitors to Forum Algarve annually.
