Once home to a popular cinema and shopping centre visited by people from across the Algarve, Faro Atrium is set to reopen as a “creative centre” this Christmas, even if only temporarily. The local council has confirmed that the initiative will be temporary as the building is up for sale. It is currently owned by Millennium bcp bank.
Led by municipal company Ambifaro, Atrium will reopen as a thriving centre for “creative ideas”, including workshops, exhibitions, pop-up shops, themed markets and much more. Also on the agenda for the centre are musical performances and theatrical plays.
Located on Rua Santo António in the heart of the Algarve’s capital, the building has been left to abandon ever since its most recent “incarnation” as a shopping centre came to an end in 2009.
Although it is currently “on the market”, the council explained that it came to an agreement with Millennium in a bid to “breathe new life into a building that wasn’t being used”.
Stressing that the initiative will not cost the council a thing, the municipality also hopes Atrium will pull more locals and tourists to the town’s centre.
Before opening as the refurbished Faro Atrium shopping centre in 2005, the building had been home to the well-known Cine-Teatro Santo António.
Its new life as a creative centre should begin sometime in December and is expected to continue until a buyer for the building is found.
The project is being developed alongside the National Association of Designers, the Cultural Association Pálacio do Tenente, the Sardinha do Papel Association and the Association of Commercial Development of Faro’s Historical Area.
