Amendment to the PDM allows private hospital in Nazare

In order to allow the installation of a health unit of private capital in a land of 30 hectares located in the Royal Path, in Pederneira, the City Council of Nazare has initiated a process to amend the Municipal Director Plan (PDM).

This amendment, advanced by the local authority announced and approved at meeting of a municipal executive in the past day August 11, focuses on the land chosen for the location of the new hospital of the future, addressed in the PDM by two different classifications, one part in the area of tourist development of the town, and the other in forested areas. The use of the land should now be done, with equipment assigned to the occupation of collective nature of regional relevance, in an amendment to PDM which will articulate itself with the plans, projects and programmes under way for that zone, from which stand out the first review PDM and the Urban Plan of Pederneira.

The municipality justifies this amendment to the "strategic importance of the investment" that represents the installation of a hospital in Nazare, vanguard - with cutting-edge technology and part of research - and its proximity to the future variant of the National Road 242 and the IC9. Another argument raised is that, in addition to not allow the construction unit of health, the PDM currently in force no longer corresponds "to the current strategy of tourism development of Nazare, which now passes through areas such as S. Giao, Caixins and North Beach, "where the detailed plans are already underway.

To discuss the changes in the PDM the municipality will allow a period of 15 days of participation, with suggestions for the formulation and submission of relevant information. It follows a period of 180 days to make the necessary and final changes.

It is recalled that the hospital to be constructed is a result of a protocol between the City of Nazare and the Chamber of Commerce Israel-Portuguese and represents an investment which amounts to 100 million. The area of deployment of the building, which should take a bold appearance, will occupy about 10 square meters.

Blue Flag for Beach of Porto Dinheiro (Silver Coast - Portugal)

During an inspection carried out by technicians of CCDRLVT and Health Centre to several beaches in the county of Lourinha (Silver Coast - Portugal), on June 20, a Blue Flag was awarded to the beach of Porto Dinheiro and the award of Accessibility for the Beach of Peralta.

The allocation of the Blue Flag for the Beach of Valmitao is dependent on an opinion of the company Lisconcebe, which had a project, awarded by the Institute of Water (INAG), for improving the local security conditions in this seaside resort. According to the planned, the City has made interventions related to the protection of cliffs, with a defined perimeter security for the fall of objects, with the construction of a ditch and putting a protective net at the base of the cliff.

Regarding the flag of Accessible Beach - which certifies the quality of access for disabled citizens - the beaches of Areal and Areia Branca may also receive this award, whose assignment is dependent on the replacement of portable toilets therein.

Medieval Market of Obidos dedicated to Love and War

The 2008 edition of the Medieval Market of Obidos (Silver Coast – Portugal), 10 to July 20, will have more space and more animation.

The park's Village, opened on June 5 - World Environment Day, will stage a wide range of activities, including an International Meeting of Groups of Historical Recreation and "Medieval Hunts." The entrance of the Medieval Market will be the Port of Talhada, through the park.

"O Amor e a Guerra" (Love and War) is the theme of this Year’s Medieval Market of Obidos, which will have two distinct areas: a more rural one in the Town Park, with weapons and camps, and a more urban one, by the Castle wall, with new design.

The International Meeting of Groups of historical recreation joins seven groups of six European countries: Portugal, Spain, Poland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Also in the Village Park will take place medieval tournaments and hunting. A novelty in this year's edition of Obidos Medieval Market, where those interested, dressed accordingly, with arrows, bows and crossbows will have to shoot (and adjust) on targets in three dimensions, mimicking animals.

The wooded area is bounded by a rope for security reasons. This activity is subject to a paid membership. A kind of medieval "paintball" that promises to attract many visitors.

The Park will also stage the Village of exposure of individual animals, including horses, donkeys among others.

Another novelty in the 2008 edition is the parade of Medieval Costumes, on July 19, by 21:00, by the Castle wall.

The costumes are the same as those used in mainland Europe in the centuries XII, XIII and XIV, and represent either the economic and social classes of that period.

During the public presentation, a jury, composed of five experts in the field of history, will examine the costumes, with particular attention to the historical accuracy of the design, manufacture of quality craftsmanship and accessories.

The three best costumes will be distinguished, being ranked the best and rewarded with the offer of a voucher for purchases amounting to 500€ in the company's products "The Master of Arms" (www.omestredearmas.com).

Even the children were not forgotten in this event, with a space to play in the Auditorium of S. James, with traditional board games and face painting.

Like previous years, the entire animation will happen in different places, without appointment. The entry is five euros, except for householders, children under 12 years and people dressed the season.


Schedule

Week-ends - from 12.00 to 24.00

Day 10 - from 18.00 to 24.00

Other working days - from 17.00 to 24.00

Silver Coast – Portugal hosts 2nd National Congress of Biological Agriculture

INTERBIO, Inter-professional Association for Biological/Organic Agriculture, is organising the 2nd National Congress of Organic Agriculture on day 24 and 25 of June in Torres Vedras (Silver Coast –Portugal), with the support of Naturlink.

The Congress enjoys the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Republic, and its opening session was chaired by Armando Sevinate Pinto, Advisor for Agriculture, matters to the President of the Republic, and the closing session will be chaired by Jaime Silva, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.

The intention with this event is to bring together the entire Portuguese professional sector of organic agriculture for reflection and through discussion of all matters that relate to this sector and which aim to enhance and consolidate its development. To this end, the first day of Congress is reserved exclusively for professionals of organic farming in all sectors: production, processing, marketing and services. This day will surely send a message of affirmation of the organic farming sector and the definition of its strategic lines.

Planning of the Silver Coast - Portugal upon public discussion

Until August 4th is underway the public discussion of the Regional Plan of Territorial Planning of the West and Tagus Valley (PROT-OVT), covering the sub-regions of the West, Middle Leziria and Mid Tagus region, which together make fore more of than 800 thousand inhabitants spread over 8 792 square kilometres and 33 municipalities of the districts of Leiria, Santarem and Lisbon.
The document was drafted over 18 months, with the participation of regional and national entities represented in the Joint Committee on Coordination (CMC), 11 plenary meetings and 26 meetings of working groups.

The technical teams, consisting of bodies and specialists in each area, made an analysis of each sector, both in terms of diagnosis, and the vision and strategic options of the plan, from agriculture to socio-economy, tourism and the conservation of nature to mobility.

For the first time a diagnosis was made of energy issues in the region, which has concluded that the West and Tagus Valley has the potential to increase by 40 percent its energy autonomy, based on their own and renewable sources (80% in electricity).
The document now subject to public discussion outlines the diagnosis of the West and Tagus Valley and proposes a vision and strategic options for its development over the next decade. The plan will be delivered to the government in September this year and place for ten years after its publication.

Were studied four strategic priorities, based mainly on competitiveness (axis 1 - win the challenge of innovation, competitiveness and internationalization), in recovery (axis 2 - leverage the territorial vocations within a framework of environmental sustainability), as (axis 3 - achieving polycentric vision and enhance the quality of urban life) and multifunctionality (axis 4 - discover the new rural ways of life).

It is expected investment of 2.8 billion euros in major projects over the ten-year period. Implementation of the plan will have a follow-up committee, supported by an observatory team.
Among the projects is the proposed rail link between the New Airport of Lisbon and the line of the North (Cartaxo / Santarem), possibly taking advantage of the channel's line of Setil, thereby creating a new axis of development and modernization into the interior of the line of the West.

The document of OVT-PROT can be found in http://consulta-protovt.inescporto.pt. At this site is also available a form for submission of contributions by all stakeholders to participate. They will also be promoted three sessions decentralised public, open to all interested parties.

International Horse Jumping Competition

This Thursday, May 29, 2008 begins the edition of the Vimeiro jumping competition, at the Horse Riding Center of the Golf Mar Hotel (Silver Coast-Portugal).

It is one of the 70 most important competitions of the international circuit, in a universe of 3700 competitions authorized by the International Equestrian Federation, named for the qualification of the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008 and the Championship of Europe 2009

The CSI of four stars and a Prize Money of 165 thousand Euros, the largest awarded so far in the Vimeiro jumping competition, are the big news of this year's edition.

The 2008 season, which has Margarida Pinto Correia and Luis Represas as special guests, includes a total of six competitions - four international, one national and the championship of Portugal - which is held between May 29^th and October 5^th.

The first CSI, the 4 star Vimeiro runs from May 29^th and June 1^st. The capacity of 260 horses is already filled, assuring largest and best-ever participation in the Vimeiro-jumping competitions. In addition to belonging to the Portuguese Equestrian Tour, this contest is qualifying for the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and the Championship of Europe in 2009.

This circuit has its first edition in 2008, and it started with the CSIO 5 * of Lisbon, following after Vimeiro for CSI 4 * Ponte de Lima, CSI 4 * of Portimao and ends within a month, with the CSI 4 * of Vilamoura. This dynamic initiative surely puts Portugal as a prime destination of choice for horse riding in the international scene, favouring the Portuguese Tourism.

In this contest are represented 18 countries, among which stand out jocks Caytano Martinez de Irujo (ESP), Robert and Ellen Whitaker (ENG), Francois Mathy Jr. (BEL), Henk Van de Pol and Leon Thijssen (NED), Billu Twomey and Cameron Hanley (IRL), Pedro Andarade (Brazil) and the Portuguese Joao Chuva, Sabino Goncalves and three times national champ Marina Frutuoso de Melo.

One of the attractions of the combined jumps of Vimeiro Contests will be the "Kid Center”. With 700 m², animators and several activities, and teaching for all children who visit the Riding Centre these days.

Fishing port of Ericeira to be improved

The upgrading work on the fishing port of Ericeira (Silver Coast-Portugal) began yesterday afternoon after the signing of the consignment of the work, valued at ten million, who chaired a ceremony to the Minister of Public Works, Mario Lino.

The work is the consolidation and construction of the jetty-north pier that will have 430 meters, 60 meters more, giving a "more robust profile," assured Natercia Cabral, President of the Port of Maritime Transport - IPTM.

In construction will be used blocks of 30 and 40 tonnes, approximately double the previous, creating "a curtain that passes six to eight meters in height." The bottom of the port will be dredged, being planned dredging of 27 cubic meters inside the port and the placing of 55 cubic meters of rocks.

According to the responsible, work comes in the wake of the Planning Director of the Port of Ericeira, drawn up in 2001/03, when it was decided to proceed with the first phase of work leading to the stage of testing by the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering-LNEC in 2004.

For the second phase of the work has already been launched last week for initiating the project in order to stop at the same time that the work now begun "three years from now" said the minister.

"Fishing has declined much but we have new activities devoted to nautical tourism and we will have put 200-boat (one hundred at sea and one hundred at land) and in a short time, three years, everything will be ready," assured Mario Lino .

Students of the Tourism School were awarded

Cristina Cordeiro, attending the course of post-secondary training in techniques of Tourism, and Valter Ribeiro, attending the Advanced Course in Pastry (also post-secondary, first and only offer of training in this area throughout the country), are students of the Tourism and Hotel School of the West – Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal), and were in the spotlight at the Inter-School’s of Tourism of Portugal Contest, held at the premises of the Tourism and Hotel School of Lamego, from 7 to May 9.

In the open area of tourism, Cristina Cordeiro was the winner, demonstrating technical skills, professional and relational that, in addition to guarantee her first place immediately put in focus the work of the Obidos School at EHT Oeste, which only began their activities two years ago.

This student will represent the Tourism Schools of Portugal in the competition for tourism, called the meeting of the European Association of Tourism Schools (international training contests), to be held in Kuressare, Estonia, in October this year.

In the area of Pastry, Valter Ribeiro failed to achieve the first place (the prize went to a student of the local Tourism School of Lamego), but the creativity demonstrated by this couple led the jury to make an exception and for the first time in these competitions, the Tourism of Portugal distinguished a competitor with a Honourable Mention.

Valter Ribeiro is a native of Alfandega da Fe, relocated to Obidos with the specific purpose of attending the Advanced Course of Pastry, for it is only in this town that there is the possibility of obtaining a professional qualification at level IV in Pastry.

New Marina for Ericeira, Silver Coast - Portugal

Great news for all you sailors!

The Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communications, Mario Lino, will chair the ceremony for awarding the work to repair the Fishing Port of Ericeira, where their will be presented the project of the future Marina of Ericeira, next Monday at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, informed Joaquim Casado, chairman of the Board of the local council of Ericeira.

It is a work that comes "after forty years of waiting, desolation and sadness, bitterness and lack of confidence," declared the president of the local council, for whom "there are a number of adjectives associated with all this, and fishermen of Ericeira still do not believe."

And on that occasion will be revealed, the project of the future "Marina of Ericeira."

The IPTM - the Port and Maritime Transport Institute "will bring the responsible projector and will submit to put up for discussion, observation and analysis of fishermen and Ericeira locals, the development of the so-called Marina of Ericeira, with the construction of the south pier," said Joaquim Casado.

Currently there are two hundred people who are dedicated to the various maritime activities, and professional fishermen are about eighty.

The Silver Coast of Portugal continues to take the right steps to fulfil the potential recognized for ages.

The “Neighbour Fest” is back at Nazare

The council of Nazare (Silver Coast – Portugal) is going to organize a “Neighbour Fest” once again, an initiative to celebrate the European Day of Neighbours, which marks the next day, May the 27th.

To this end, the population of the county is invited, through the organization of the “Neighbour Fest” - in the street, in the courtyard of the urbanization, in the garden of the house, anywhere. Groups of neighbours interested in joining this initiative can make the inscription at the City Council or for more information through telephone 262550010.

The Neighbours' Day was first celebrated in France in 1999 with the aim of promoting relations of proximity, promoting solidarity and to combat the isolation increasingly common in urban areas, through the simple idea of a meeting of neighbours around the table.

Only in 2002 was to be reported as a European day, with the entry of Belgium and Switzerland. In the following years, more countries have joined this initiative and by 2007, seven million citizens, throughout Europe, were in the street with their neighbours.

Nazare participated last year for the first time, with a very positive balance sheet. Some 300 people joined the initiative and promoted various parties, and almost everywhere in town, animated by the Philharmonic Association of Nazare (which this year will also be responsible for the musical animation).

The “Neighbour Fest”, in Portugal, is an organization of the Portuguese Committee for the Coordination of Social Housing.

Development Plan for the Silver Coast foresees investments of 2.8 billion euros

The Regional Plan of Territorial Planning of the Silver Coast (PROT-OVT), which will be presented in June, provides for the launch of a regional operator of broad band internet, strengthening the system of Medical Emergency Vehicles, a program of support for the installation of routes and pathways of places of touristy value, construction of facilities for the recovery of organic waste in the Silver Coast, the creation of the Regional Energy Agency in the West, programs related to renewable energies and studies on the Railroad of the West.

In a total investment of 2.8 billion, to be held by 2013, with some of the proposed investments to be supported by EU funds, through the NSRF.

The programme of implementation is now divided by areas: "the urban system and competitiveness" (1.08 billion), "environmental system" (547 million), and "system of mobility" (1.2 billion). In the system of governance-PROT OVT will be spent 2.2 million.

The five strategic priorities set out in the first versions of PROT have gone to four new names: "Winning the challenge of innovation, competitiveness and internationalization," "Strengthening territorial Vocations ensuring the framework of Environmental Sustainability", "Implementing the vision and enhancing the polycentric quality of urban life "and" Discovering the new countryside. "

New property solutions

The Royal Obidos Golf Resort (Silver Coast – Portugal) will be one of the two ventures of the group Ocean in Portugal that will adopt a new solution of fractional ownership, in which it will be possible unlimited use of housing and services associated within the group.

This solution, called Prestige Fractional Ocean, is also available for residential units of Vilamoura Golf Resort & Garden and will be presented in London.

In traditional fractional ownership acquired the property can only be used on specific dates, being unavailable the rest of the year to be leased and explored.

In this alternative to each "villa" are associated eight owners, who may use unlimited, more flexible, units of five stars of the group Ocean, and access to concierge service, transfers, a golf club, among others.

This flexible fractional ownership already has been practised since 1992 in the USA, where the group Ocean as part of this solution provides the Little River Golf & Resort (in North Carolina).

In the Portuguese market, the flexible fractional ownership will be available in Vilamoura, from 250 thousand euros per fraction, and in Obidos, from 175 thousand euros per fraction,

The Royal Obidos Golf Resort is a partnership between the MSF and the Ocean Group, has been classified by the Portuguese Agency for Investment with the status of Project of National Interest (PIN).

The venture will have a golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros and includes a hotel and holiday villages of four and five stars. It is still scheduled to be built with a club-house facilities for leisure, golf academy, tennis club, Spa and Health Club, multipurpose sports area, country club with room for nursery and children's games, cyber cafe, library, restaurant and bar and shopping.

Built on an area of 130 hectares, the Royal Obidos provides for the construction of 620 residential units and 2,252 beds, whose development will be divided into several phases. The planned total investment is 160 million.

Silver Coast better connected

On May, the 14th, The Minister of Public workings will inaugurate the new section of highway A17, which will extend the connection of the previous motorway, which begins in Marinha Grande, by Mira, in the coastal district of Coimbra.

The works of the section that will connect Lourical (which ends up to now) to Mira were visited in April by the governor, who said that the inauguration would be marked at the time.

As the A17 has a direct link to motorway A8, in Marinha Grande, the completion of these 60 kilometres will bring Lisbon and the entire Silver Coast and west region to that area, with particular reference to Figueira da Foz.

The motorway of the Centre will be a complement to A1 and an alternative to IC 2 and to EN 109.

With an investment of 353 million euros, the last leg of the A17 will produce between two to three routes in each direction, eight viaducts - among them the new bridge over the Mondego river - 50 overpasses and seven lower, a toll in Mira, an area of service and another area of support.

A year ago, also in May, had been inaugurated the first section of the motorway of the Central Coast (A17) between Marinha Grande and Lourical, county of Pombal, including the connection to Monte Real in the county of Leiria.

Creative Communities for the Silver Coast

The application "Creative Clusters in Urban Areas of Low Density", recently approved by the European Union, will be led by the Municipality of Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal). It was one of the 24 approved applications, among 120 projects across Europe.

This is a partnership with four European cities (Reggio Emilia - Italy, Mizil - Romania, Enguera - Spain and Catanzaro - Italy), and aims to enhance the economic, social and territorial dynamic’s of low density areas, with creative activities functioning as motors of the local communities.

It will be then extended in a second phase, another five to seven partners, three of which need not be cities. The draft budget will be 710 thousand euros for the two phases: the first stage (development), with a period of 6 months and the second phase (implementation), with duration of 30 months).

The project is based on the assumption that the creative activities can be the driving force of economic development as well as social and territorial cohesion of small towns, against the traditional trend of exodus of the population (particularly the young population) for big cities. The creative activities, in addition to generating employment, create value and promote integrated local economic development, have also to take up as central strategies in marketing or affirmation of the image and identity of cities and/ or regions, can make it become more attractive to the establishment of new businesses, residents and visitors.

In this context, the goal is, first, attract creative people (including families of young talent, creative adults undergoing change of career and retired assets…) and, secondly, attract small businesses in the areas of creative design, crafts, Art, antiques, music, advertising and architecture, which are the result of entrepreneurship assets of talents who want to live and work in these creative communities.

Golf at the Silver Coast

The detailed plan of the golf course, to be deployed on the land between Alfeizerao and S. Martinho do Porto as well as for a hotel near the picture perfect bay is already being prepared.

With a total of 16 holes, the green is planned for a land classified as agricultural reserve, but its construction is justified because it is "a project of great interest to the region" as guarantees the vice Mayor of Alcobaca, Carlos Bonifacio. Therefore the municipality wants to closely monitor the development detail plan, which responsibility of creation was delegated to the private group promoting the enterprise, through the private buildings council.

More tourists, generating more wealth and more jobs are the major advantages given to projects whose protocol between promoters and the local authority of Alcobaca should be signed soon. Political rivals PS and PSD together make for a majority in favour of an investment whose study of environmental impact, already completed and without any problems reported, still hasn’t convinced the CDU, which also criticizes the over-supply of such equipment.

Silver Coast is slowly becoming a force to reckon with in the golf tourism business.

Silver Coast translates for Quality...

The National Council of Ministers approved the partial suspension of the Municipal Director Plan of Obidos, for a period of two years.

A measure, that provides ease pressure on urban ecologically sensitive areas, particularly near the coastline and the Lagoon. A government resolution published in the Daily Republic; identifies preventive measures, "aimed at the development of projects of high quality and sustainable development of the area, which involves the reduction in the rate of construction planned in the Municipal Directorate Plan in force."

Preventive measures are the ban on the holding of any urban operations, except those for the creation of holiday villages and Hotels that respect the constraints imposed, in particular with certain index of construction and environmental surroundings.

Quality development is the future for Obidos and Silver Coast in general.

Obidos, Researchers prepare solutions for sustainability

The council of Obidos gave the following task to the StaR course, which occurred in Obidos from 7 to April 11: to develop practical solutions in order to transform the beautiful medieval town in an Eco-Town for a sustainable future.

The program STaR City brought together young researchers with multidisciplinary skills and aims to find solutions to current environmental issues and thus contribute to sustainable urban development in Europe.

Obidos has a great opportunity to become the first Portuguese village to reach the point of zero-emissions through the optimization of existing infrastructure, introduction of renewable energy, sustainable solutions to transport and waste management.

This course has a special focus on intelligent infrastructure systems, sustainable transport, sustainable tourism, evaluation of impacts, challenges to local authorities and others to be addressed by young researchers. The Municipality of Obidos and STaR encourages groups to submit ideas and new solutions for the future development of this town, to be replicated in other communities in Europe. Municipal authorities emerged with a vision that points to the creation of a new standard for urban spaces in Portugal and the results that flow from this event can be replicated in many other Portuguese communities.

The challenges and impacts of tourism are recognized in all municipalities and have been taking this into account which reached a basis for cooperation. The concept of Eco-Town, once implemented, should, first, protect the local environment of the negative impacts of tourism and, second, become a reference and have a role in attraction as a catalyst for the planning and improving quality of life. Funded by the Marie Curie programme, the STaR City is a unique project composed of a series of events covering the four key sectors in sustainable urban development: energy, transportation, waste management and urban planning.

The participants, students in doctoral and post-doctoral, with different skills from different disciplines and countries, provided the basis for innovative solutions and discussed real problems within the theme of sustainable solutions. They were also present, in large, internationally renowned experts, together with representatives from universities-edge, businesses, municipal and national authorities as well as the European Union.

Silver Coast and Obidos, always looking for improvement!

Silver Coast station of the TGV in Rio Maior

A station of the TGV in Rio Maior will be one of the compensations that the region is going to receive in the plan of compensations that is being negotiated between the mayors and the government; now that it has been determined that the future airport of Lisbon will not be built in Ota.

Mayors of most of the Silver Coast region all gathered for a meeting with Minister of Public Workings, Mr. Mario Lino, which returned to Caldas da Rainha, to the headquarters of the Association of the West Region Counties. This was the second of a series of meetings regarding counterparts for the Silver Coast and West region in general, to compensate the “loss” of the promised new airport.

Regarding the projected sketch of the TGV stations, Mr. Mario Lino advanced that as the new airport already is not going to be built in Ota, "we now have more liberty in the sketch and up to the launching of the contests we will continue to improve".

Once again, great news for the Silver Coast, as accessibility will be considerably improved, which shows the degree of importance the Silver Coast has in the national context and as Portugal moves in to the future, there is no doubt that the Silver Coast will have a huge part in the making…

Silver Coast gains accessibility… and even more value

Starting March, the Government is going to open the concession contest for the connection of highways A8 and A1 in the Leiria area. It will be called "Concession of the Western Coast". Announced by the Prime-Minister, Jose Socrates, during the Parliament debate carried out last Friday, the 28th of February, 2008.

Obviously good news for the Silver Coast, as the accessibility is increased considerably, since A1 is the most important highway in Portugal. Needless to say, this event adds to what is already a very significant market value, and for a good reason, as you can’t sincerely find a flaw to this beautiful stretch of the Portuguese territory.

Top 15 Reasons to invest in Silver Coast Property

The information below, reasons to invest in Silver Coast property, is focused on the economic considerations, future investments and infrastructure in the Silver Coast region of Portugal.

1. A Pricewaterhouse Coopers and a Place in the Sun report put the Silver Coast Portugal within the top three countries most likely to make you the most money in the next 10 years.
   
2. A report by the Strategic National Tourism Plan states that the tourism receipts will increase to 12 thousand million (12 billion) by 2015 and the report also concludes the Silver Coast will be one of the main growth areas.
   
3. Portugal and especially the Silver Coast have strict planning regulations that will ensure the low density of new developments and keep the supply and demand levels balanced.


4. Portugal is rapidly becoming centre stage for eco-investments within the Euro zone. And the Silver Coast is no exception with signs of renewable energy dotting the countryside.
   Investments into solar panel farms, wind turbines, wave turbines and eco-villages are attracting blue chip corporations and high net worth investors into the area.
   
5. According to Barclays bank the number of Irish and British citizens who plan to buy abroad will double in the next 5 years.
   
6. Until 2013 the EU plan to fund €8.8 million per day to improve the Portuguese economy and infrastructure.
   
7. Portugal can be seen as a low risk, established and safe investment environment.
   
8. Portugal has a long established tourism market and you will find close to 100% occupancy in the summer months in the most popular tourist spots, including Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho and Obidos.
   
9. Portugal, the UK and Ireland all adhere to the EU double taxation treaties allowing non-residential Portuguese property owners to avoid double taxation including capital gains tax and rental income tax.
   
10. The Portuguese banks encourage non-residents to take out a Portuguese mortgage and the process is relatively easy to obtain an 80% LTV interest only mortgage.
    
11. Terminal 2 at Lisbon airport was opened for business this year 2008 to increase the volume of low cost airline traffic to the capital.
    
12. A new TGV high speed rail link Lisbon to Madrid is planned for 2010 with completion by 2015. The TGV will reduce the journey from Lisbon to Madrid to 3 hours from currently 10 hours.
    
13. Two new modern state of the art shopping centres are to be built in Caldas da Rainha. One to be finished in spring 2008 and the other in spring 2009. One of these projects will be built be the Sonae Group. www.sonae.pt. They will consist of shops, supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants.
    
14. A Jurassic Theme Park is to be built in the town Lourinha with the construction to start in 2010 with the intention to attract more than 250,000 visitors a year.
    


15. Finally and most importantly 4 new 18 hole championship golf courses are currently under construction in the council's of Obidos and Caldas da Rainha. They are Royal Obidos, Falaesia del Rei, Rainha Golf and Bom Successo. All of these golf courses will include luxury villas and apartments plus 5 start hotels thus making the Silver coast area of Portugal a dominant force in the world of golf tourism.
    

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Obidos may be the first Portuguese Eco-Town

The Municipal Museum of Obidos staged day 27, the conference "Town Sustainability", occasion used also to present the program “OB2" (Sustainable Obidos).

The main purpose of this conference was to develop efforts in the sense of stimulating the sustainability of Portuguese Towns.

The OB2 is born of the conjugation of efforts between the municipal company "Obidos Requalifica (Requalification)" and Ecochoice, a company of consultancy in sustainable construction that integrates the sector of the Tourism and Services of the Lena Group.

The project’s main goals are the implementation of planning practices and more sustainable construction, the fulfilment of the Program "Obidos Social Carbon", and to bring innovation to the land property sector and local construction as well as to provide service level of the practical eco constructive type. The aim is to turn Obidos into the first Portuguese Eco-town.

According to Isabel Santos, executive administrator of Ecochoice, "Obidos has conditions to position itself as an innovative center for the sustainable construction business and for the implementation of renewable energies which will turn itself unique in Portugal and the OB2 project personifies that will of change and differentiation of the town".

During the conference, prominent architect Selwin Wever spoke about energy efficiency of buildings and the presence of diverse specialists in this area was very significant.

These subjects are more and more popular by the day and definitely influence many opinions and choices of the property and construction perspective. The Silver Coast is all about these kind of values. We all certainly want to leave our children a better place…

Airport discussion in Portugal: Comparison between Ota and Alcochete

Public consult can be done in several Town Council City Halls or by Internet

NAER – New Airport, INC. gave beginning on the 1st of February and by a term of 30 working days, a period of public consultation in the predicted assessment of Strategic Environmental Evaluation (AAE), on the basis of the "Study for the Compared Technical Analysis of the Alternatives of Location of the New Airport of Lisbon, in the Ota area and the Shooting Field of Alcochete area.”

The procedure of public consultation is one of the phases of the Strategic Environmental Evaluation (SEE or AAE) process, predicted in the LAW nº 232/2007, of 15th of June.

In this period, of public consultation that is in course, there can be sent to the NAER, observations and suggestions on the part of public entities, associations, organizations, non governmental groups and people of the public in general.

NAER, while promoter entity of the SEE (or AAE), has made available on the Internet, at www.naer.pt, all the documentation about the process, that can also be consulted at its own installations in Lisbon.

That same documentation is also available at several Town Council City Halls, such as Alcochete, Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, Azambuja, Benavente, Cadaval, Cartaxo, Coruche, Loures, Mafra, Moita, Montemor-o-Novo, Montijo, Palmela, Rio Maior, Salvaterra de Magos, Santarem, Setubal, Sobral do Monte Agraco, Torres Vedras, Vendas Novas and Vila Franca de Xira.

The SEE will incorporate the environmental values in the decision process. The documentation for consulting includes the RCM of January the 10th, the Environmental Report, and the Non Technical Resume, elaborated by the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LNEC).

Even though it’s seems like a “done deal” for Alcochete, Ota has it’s hopes and the definite outcome of this will result in the future major airport in Portugal, which has every investor in suspense…

A new airport is announced by Portugal’s Prime Minister

Jose Socrates, the Portuguese Prime Minister has made it official, and even though there has been some indecision and public discussion around where should it be built, there is no doubt that a new airport is on the way. The total cost of the new airport is estimated around 4.9 billion Euros, and the definitive location will be the Alcochete area (just under 12 miles from Lisbon), just south of the Tagus River.

This is excellent news for anyone who has his eyes set on investing near this area, especially the Silver Coast, or even the Blue Coast. The boost that this news will give to the value of properties in striking distance is huge. The gain in accessibility is bound to reward all the foreign property investors that seize this opportunity for new investments/ additions to their property portfolio.

Taking in order that the Algarve is now so priced out and with all the building restrictions down there, one can only expect that many investors should get hold of the best properties in the Silver Coast and even the Blue Coast of Portugal while they can.

Anyone receptive to a good opportunity in this business should contact Move Portugal, as it is pretty much the complete package. Any information just ask us.

R&C - Property Management

Looking for reliable Property Management Services on the Silver Coast???

Residence & Confidence -intends to establish a new standard and benchmark in the industry. It was formed with a clear intention to manage villas and properties along the Silver Coast establishing a true spirit of partnership with each Customer:

"At R&C we’re conducting our business on clear and straight principles, a fully comprehensive service backed by experienced staff and reporting directly to you the customer. From general house cleaning to full maid service, from pool cleaning to filter and chemical maintenance, from mail forwarding to payment of local taxes and phone bills; we offer you what you need and give you the confidence to let us take on the responsibilities.

We do not guarantee that we will never make a mistake; but we do guarantee that if we fail, we will still be here to resolve the problems for you. Face to face. No way around. No disillusionments. "

That’s our commitment

Miguel Claro
R&C -Executive Manager

http://property-management-portugal.com/