Uproar over possible sale of Faro’s old beer brewery – Portugal Resident

A coalition of Algarve cultural associations, civic groups and NGOs has raised concerns over the possible sale of Faro’s historic Fábrica da Cerveja building to private investors.

The newly formed Movimento Pela Fábrica (Movement for the Factory) said it fears the building could be sold by the municipal council of Faro to a hotel group, warning that such a move would represent a major loss for the city.

The movement brings together around a dozen organisations based in the Algarve that have organised cultural and artistic events at the former brewery in recent years. According to the group, members are familiar with the building’s potential and with several strategic projects developed over the past two decades aimed at transforming the space into a public centre focused on culture, technology and science.

After learning of possible negotiations for the sale of the building between the municipality and a hotel group, representatives questioned Faro’s municipal executive during a council meeting on May 11.

The response received, the movement said, suggested a “lack of commitment” to keeping the building in public ownership and appeared to move away from the goals previously agreed upon in the municipality’s Culture Strategic Plan 2030, approved unanimously in 2020 after public consultation involving local associations and residents.

The group argues that selling the building would cause “irreparable damage” to Faro and insists the property should remain public.

According to the movement, privatising the site would contribute to the decline of Faro’s historic Vila Adentro district by reducing its cultural and community value for both residents and visitors.

The organisations say the city has long lacked a suitable public cultural venue, despite years of discussion and support from previous local administrations across different political parties, from PS Socialists to the parties that today make up the AD coalition.

Built between the 1930s and 1940s on top of Roman-era structures that were unknown at the time, the Fábrica da Cerveja is considered an important example of Faro’s industrial heritage. Over the years, it has served various functions, including as a warehouse for beer and military supplies.

In the past decade, the building has hosted several cultural events that have become part of Faro and the Algarve’s artistic scene.

The Movimento Pela Fábrica said it plans to continue raising awareness about what it sees as a threat to public heritage and is gathering support from individuals and organisations at local, regional and national level.

The movement also announced plans for further public awareness initiatives focused on the future of the building.