For almost two decades, the iconic building located in the historic center of Vila Nova de Cerveira has hosted the Youth Hostel. It was later a republic of arts and exhibition space, until it became unused. Now, the municipality has announced that it will grant it a concession for the exploration of a hostel.
According to the press release, the “concession allows Vila Nova de Cerveira to see the rebirth of yet another hotel facility, safeguarding a reference built heritage”, which should “become part of the route of the Caminhos de Santiago”.
The measure is in line with the strategy outlined by the municipality within the scope of tourism promotion, “providing more and better conditions for overnight stays in Vila Nova de Cerveira, while contributing to boosting greater dynamics and movement in the historic centre”, says the mayor, Rui Teixeira, in a statement.
According to the municipality, the opening of the public tender for the concession of the former Youth Hostel was approved, on Tuesday, unanimously, during the first meeting of the decentralized chamber of the current executive, held in the Parish of Cornes. The concession contract will be for 30 years, for a base value of 531 thousand euros.
Old building of the Youth Hostel of Vila Nova de Cerveira
CM Vila Nova de Cerveira
After almost two decades, the Youth Hostel was transferred in 2008 to new equipment, which “resulted from the adaptation and expansion of the former primary school in Vila Nova de Cerveira”. The old building, “with a total area of 410 square meters”, was “converted in República das Artes, a residence for art students, and, lately, housed an exhibition space run by Associação Projecto – Núcleo de Desenvolvimento Cultural”.
Currently, however, “it is without any use, and in need of structural intervention, both interior and exterior”. This intervention, “according to the approved concession conditions, will be the sole responsibility of the concessionaire, respecting some of the conditions previously outlined in order to safeguard a reference built heritage”.
With works “to start until December 2024, the concessionaire who is awarded the public tender is obliged to pay a global rent, for the concession period of 30 years, in an amount that corresponds, at least, to the base price monthly of 1500 euros”.
Proposals must be delivered to the Vila Nova de Cerveira City Council customer service by 4 pm on 17 March.