According to the Housing Councilor, João Rodrigues, who spoke to journalists at the end of the executive's fortnightly meeting today, the work will be financed by the Recovery and Resilience Programme and will have to be completed by 2026.

The person in charge added that the profile of the recipients of the apartments has not yet been defined, and applications may be limited to a certain type of person, such as young people or young couples, for example.

During the executive meeting, João Rodrigues highlighted that, in the review of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM), Quinta da Arcela is included as a green space.

With more than four hectares, Quinta da Carcela was home to the old Agricultural Station, having been vacant for several years.

It is under the supervision of the General Directorate of Treasury and Finance, and the two existing buildings there have already been transferred to the municipality.

The municipality is still awaiting the formal transfer of ownership of the farm itself, for its transformation into an urban park.

“The park will be for the enjoyment of the entire population and not just future residents of the apartments to be built”, highlighted João Rodrigues.

The future of Quinta da Arcela has already prompted a public petition asking for its transformation into a space for public enjoyment.

“Keeping Quinta da Arcela unused or allowing construction on its land would be a mistake that would be difficult to justify in a city that lacks public green spaces and is increasingly suffering from the effects of climate change”, reads the petition, already signed by more than 1,300 people.