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With the first structures expected to be ready in two and a half years, architect Mr. Raposo stated, during the project presentation at the grounds, “We will definitely be creating a sports city”, a fact that was supported by António Barroca, Chairman of General Board of Grupo Lena, who said “We have been able to create a project that deserves to be seen... it is an honour to be in charge of this project.”

Set within a 395,240m² plot of land, the future sports complex will focus very much on the environment, with 140,000m² of the space being green areas, making it Portimão’s new ‘green’ lung.

The multi-purpose pavilion will have seating for 3,160 people and equipment for several different indoor sports. The Municipal Football Stadium will possess several restaurants, commercial spaces, congress/meeting/conference rooms and seating for 8,000 people. The swimming pool complex will boast an Olympic size indoor swimming pool and will provide athletes with conditions to train for high-performance competitions in swimming, water polo and synchronised swimming.

Several different types of homes, such as townhouses, semi-detached, closed condominiums, or apartments; will be available for purchase in the residential area.

Manuel da Luz, Portimão Mayor, is extremely proud of where Portimão is and where it is heading “This is an historic moment”, he said, adding “It is a project for the future and will relaunch Portimão to the front line, making it a prime example of a sports city.”

After the presentation of the project, Manuel da Luz and António Barroca laid the first stone of the project, in which there was a scroll with the signatures of all the parties, and some coins to bring good luck. It is thought the sports complex will create 1,400 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect ones.