Case Studies  The Lisbon Castle parish and the urban regeneration process

6.2. The programme and the future vision

Considering all these presuppositions, it was the decision of the town authorities to undertake profound action within the castle parish with special regard to the state of disrepair of the built up area.

While pursuing this idea, political decisions were taken again in order to promote tourism activities within the global area of intervention, this time including the residential neighbourhood in the concept.

Within the idea to establish a strengthened link between the castle parish and surrounding urban areas, the plan of some kind of a socio-cultural ring was born, situated around the walled part of city. That ring was supposed to include and revitalise different commercial premises as well as cultural and academic institutions near by.

A part of this idea, an action plan for the main intervention was carried out, bearing in mind the entire restoration of all castle buildings and fortifications inclusive of the partial re-establishment of the former walk along the battlements. That “reborn” way shall draw tourist streams by surrounding the southern part of the neighbourhood and, finally, run into a courtyard proposing the further itinerary through the residential part.

Furthermore, the action plan aimed at making the monumental area figure as a tourist attraction complied with contemporary conceptions regarding the millions of expected visitors during 1998.

Therefore the plan came into being to provide this area with special facilities, as there is the “ Ulysses Tower ” periscope, allowing for an all round view and special zooming onto the city; and a remarkable new form of museum was established: The City Interpretation Centre “ Olissiponia”.

The main goal in the residential part of the parish, however, was to provide basic but adequate housing and living conditions, taking into consideration the current demands of the resident population. That meant equipping the accommodation with bathrooms and kitchens, avoiding profound changes within housing typologies. Nevertheless, there was the idea and intention to create prerequisites that induce young people to choose that area to live in.

In addition, one reckons with socio-cultural revival due to several planned special interventions in different points of the neighbourhood. Those are the “Casa do Governador” as the office of the local municipal administration (Junta da Freguesia), library and medical point, and the “Patio da Pascácia” a sort of building ensemble to be used by the local above-mentioned associations and at the same time providing multifunctional spaces for the neighbourhood.

In regard to economic growth the “Rua de Santa Cruz ”, one of the main arteries of the residential part, has been chosen to undergo a major change, through a quite remarkable abundance of planned retail trade and gastronomic premises. Those are mainly aimed at the tourist, walking across and heading for the revitalised main square, passing through the residential part, once again.

However, there is only the supposition rather than a guarantee, that local people will be integrated into this new economic situation, intended to bloom.

On the other hand, the “Patio das Cozinhas” another palace-like building, shall be turned into a little hotel (30 beds), inviting visitors for a long stay and increasing consumption of the different offers.

Finally, the planned opening of two portals within the walls in the inner side of the parish may create desired new connections between the residential and the monumental area.

The resurfacing of streets and squares and total renovation of all underground facilities is planned as well as the complete refurbishing of public spaces.

All those efforts show willingness to awaken the residential neighbourhood and to include it within the framework of future development. (Annex11)

6.1 The founding    6.3 Economics, financing and beneficiaries