The grandiose Padel City project, which sought to build 17 padel courts in Oeiras’ Linda-a-Velha, will not go forward as planned. The decision was confirmed by the local government, which attributed the development’s halt mostly to excessive construction expenses.
The Portuguese Padel Federation (FPP) was awarded the land for the project, which is close to the Jamor Sports Complex. However, the FPP determined that the project was not financially feasible due to the substantial rise in the expected investment caused by technical requirements.
Vice-president Francisco Rocha Gonçalves explained at a city council meeting that the municipality would not finance the building because its role was restricted to granting the land. The land will return to the city once the project is no longer viable.
The project was opposed from the start because of worries about possible environmental effects close to the Jamor forest and its proximity to residential areas. The Vamos Salvar o Jamor club and other civic organizations objected, claiming that the area was originally meant for a sports complex or daycare center.
Discussions about potential future investments in Oeiras’ sports infrastructure and alternate uses for the property may come up if the project is cancelled. The ruling emphasizes how difficult it is to strike a balance between urban development and economic and environmental factors.
