Santos’ new leisure space Valongo Park inaugurated

Last Friday (7/5), Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of the Republic and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC); Silvio Costa Filho, Minister of Ports and Airports; Mayor Rogério Santos; and Anderson Pomini, president of the Santos Port Authority (APS), inaugurated the first phase of Parque Valongo. This project reflects the commitment of the Port of Santos and the municipal administration to investing in the well-being and quality of life of the local population.

Minister Silvio Costa Filho emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between the Port of Santos and the surrounding cities. “We will soon have Parque do Forte in Guarujá, Parque das Aves in Cubatão, the airport with flights to all of Brazil, and significant infrastructure works, such as the new section of the Perimetral da Margem Esquerda, the access viaducts to Alemoa on the Margem Direita, and the dredging works for 16 and 17 meters,” he stated.

APS president Anderson Pomini highlighted the significance of this new community space. “In partnership with the City Hall, we welcome the population into the oldest area of the Port of Santos, now revitalized to host residents, tourists, events, and cultural activities. Soon, we will also offer professional training activities,” Pomini said.

Pomini added that the following steps include completing the section between warehouses 1 and 3 and eventually relocating the Passenger Terminal to Valongo. “The Passenger Terminal in front of the park and the Historic Center of Santos, with numerous attractions, is an old dream becoming closer to reality thanks to our ongoing dialogue with the port community and local authorities,” he stated, thanking Minister of Entrepreneurship for Microenterprises and Small Businesses, Márcio França, for his support.

Minister Márcio França reminisced about his childhood when walls separated the Port and the City, preventing him from seeing the ships. “Today, I see people from various political backgrounds united to build a better region. This is the country we want, coming together to evolve and grow,” he said.

The event was attended by the mayors of Guarujá and São Vicente, Kayo Amado; state deputies Solange Freitas, Caio França, and Paulo Correa Júnior; the president of Antaq, Eduardo Nery; the National Secretary of Ports and Waterway Transport, Alex Ávila; and the vice-mayor of Santos, Renata Bravo.

Also present were Marcus André de Souza e Silva, captain of the Ports of São Paulo; APS directors Júlio Cézar Oliveira (Administration and Finance) and Orçado Razões (Infrastructure); superintendents, managers, and employees of APS; prosecutor Carlos Cabral Cabrera, who signed commitments leading to the partnership; former mayors Telma de Souza and João Paulo Tavares Papa; Sindaport president Everandy Cirino; Santos Chamber president Cacá Teixeira; councilors from Santos and Guarujá; Concais president Luis Floriano; and directors from Cofco and Ecoporto, who contributed resources to make the project viable.

Project Details

The first stage of Parque Valongo includes restoring old Warehouse 4 and creating spaces designed for community engagement, leisure, and tourism. These projects complement the ongoing revitalization of the Historic Center of Santos and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Warehouse 4 has been fitted with a covered, air-conditioned structure for events. The Winter 2024 Festival, from July 12th to August 4th, will be the first event held in the 2,400m² area, featuring snack bars, restaurants, and a stage for performances. Additionally, the space includes a floating platform for small boats to promote nautical tourism and a contemplation pier for observing ships entering and leaving the port.

The old warehouses 5 and 6 will provide space for tourist and leisure activities, including beach tennis courts, a playground, contemplative gardens, and a Ferris wheel. APS will utilize warehouse 7 for educational and technological activities in partnership with universities.

Sharing is caring!