An “innovative, sustainable and job-generating” development – this is how Márcio Monteiro from Telhabel, the company in charge of its construction, described the new Sudoeste Retail Park which opened in Alcantarilha, Silves on Friday, June 10.
Marketed as the largest retail park in the Algarve, the new commercial outlet is located near Alcantarilha’s main western roundabout on the EN125 road and near the A22 motorway access roads.
It features 19 stores, including a Continente Bom Dia supermarket, a Burger King restaurant, home décor stores such as Hôma and Espaço Casa, a Rádio Popular electronic goods store, and a Sport Zone store.
Other stores include Hôma, Espaço Casa, Papelaria Arco Íris, Tabacaria Arco Íris, ColchaoNet, PetOutlet, Seaside, Fábrica dos Óculos, Sweet & Co, Bifanas de Vendas Novas, O Seu Bitoque, a pharmacy and a petrol station.
Silves Mayor Rosa Palma attended the inauguration ceremony and lauded the “courage of entrepreneurs who invest in the relaunch of the economy during such a difficult context.”
The project was drawn up during the pandemic and has led to the opening of the retail park during a social and economic crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
According to Palma, this is a sign of “confidence in the national economy.”
The mayor also said the development brings “undeniable value” to the borough whose strategy is to “attract public and private investment to bolster its sustainable development, increase the wealth generated and create jobs.”
José Apolinário, president of the regional development and coordination commission (CCDR Algarve), underlined the significant €25 million investment in the retail park as well as its sustainable elements.
“I highlight the investment in LED lighting and several procedures during construction,” said Apolinário, who also called on the developers to ensure “transportation” to the retail park and easy access for employees and clients.
Meanwhile, Vítor Rocha – CEO of Retail Mind, the Spanish developer behind the new retail park – emphasised the interest generated among companies that wanted to secure their spot at the retail park.
“Six or seven months before the opening, spaces were 100% taken,” Rocha said, adding that the idea for the project came four years ago.
“We became completely enamoured with this location. We were able to catch the attention of several brands, but, sadly, we could not accommodate all those who showed an interest.”
Original article written by João Chambino for Barlavento newspaper
