Port of Santos revamps historic Warehouse 7 for technology and education hub

Renovation work on the former Warehouse 7 at the Port of Santos is well advanced, with the historic building set to house a technology and education center. The site is located along the quay near the Customs House and next to Valongo Park and the city’s Historic Center.

The first phase of the project, which involves rebuilding the structure in line with its original architectural features, is expected to be completed by April. In the following months, a formal use plan will be presented detailing the hub’s functions. Full operations are scheduled to begin by 2027.

Work is also under way on the restoration of Machine House No. 2, adjacent to Warehouse 7 and considered one of the port’s historical landmarks. Both facilities will be managed by the Santos Port Authority, known as APS, and are expected to host activities of interest to the port community while supporting port-city integration initiatives.

The reconstruction is part of a conduct adjustment agreement signed in 2023 by APS, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Santos Council for the Defense of Cultural Heritage. The agreement set out a series of interventions in waterfront buildings as part of the broader revitalization of downtown Santos.

Under the agreement, Warehouse 7 and Machine House No. 2, which generated steam to operate cranes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were relocated toward the former Warehouse 6 area to allow for the expansion of rail lines used by agribusiness trader Cofco. In return, Cofco is funding the reconstruction, with works carried out by Pro Ativa Arquitetura.

Warehouse 7 is the latest structure in central Santos to undergo redevelopment aimed at revitalizing the area. The ruins of Warehouses 4, 5 and 6 were replaced by the new Valongo Park, which features a modern covered and air-conditioned space, landscaped gardens, a beach tennis court, playground, observation pier and a floating platform for boats.

Located at the birthplace of the Port of Santos, where the first docks were built some 400 years ago, Valongo Park has become a symbol of urban renewal. The project is part of a wider overhaul of the Historic Center, which also included upgrades to Tuiuti Street and Barão do Rio Branco Square.

On June 26, authorities inaugurated the 228-meter Porto-City Footbridge Engenheiro José Colla, a fully accessible pedestrian structure linking the port area to the city.

The third phase of Valongo Park began in August 2025 with the revitalization of Warehouse 3. The project, carried out by Carnevali Engenharia, is backed by a partnership between APS and the Santos city government. The improvements are being funded by Brasil Terminal Portuário under a mitigation and compensation agreement and are expected to be completed this year.

Source: Porto de Santos

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