Silves Câmara is still hopeful that Fábrica do Inglês will be classified as a heritage building in order to safeguard its cultural and architectural history.
The câmara had submitted a request to the Institute for the Management of Architectural and Archaeological Heritage (Igespar), hoping that the classification of the entire complex, which incorporates the Cork Museum (Museu da Cortiça), would safeguard its future.
The complex has been closed since May, after the owners encountered financial problems.
Meanwhile, the political party Bloco de Esquerda, BE, presented a document to the Portuguese Parliament requesting the opening of a process for the classification of Fábrica do Inglês.
The aim is to ensure the protection of the cultural elements of the building and to save the complex from permanent closure.
The BE also wants the support of the Government for the preservation of the Cork Museum.
According to the BE, in terms of cultural heritage values, authenticity and uniqueness, the protection of the Cork Museum has to be guaranteed.
Named in 2001 as the best industrial museum in Europe, it houses documents dating from 1870 and its collection brings together machinery, workshops and archives of the history of the cork industry.
The closure of this building is considered by BE as a loss to the country’s history and culture.
