Safety, commodity and sociability are, according to the Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures, the three areas that characterise the intervention and renewal of the Beira-Mar da Vitória square in the village of Guadalupe on Graciosa Island.

The intervention on the square, which was opened by José Contente yesterday evening, represents an increase in the quality of life of the families living in Beira-Mar da Vitória.

For the Graciosa community, the site is already regarded as a potential social and cultural centre to boost the village of Guadalupe, a reason that motivated the Regional Government’s investment of over 260 thousand Euros in the renewal and enhancement of that square.

“This investment is worthy, because we are all more satisfied with this new space today, which is more respected and safe, allowing the conviviality among people, which is fundamental in our society,” said José Contente addressing the population.

With this intervention, the square will now provide the families living in the neighbourhood with better safety and recreational conditions. Routes for pedestrians were created, preserving the access to the houses, and the parking lot spaces were defined, in addition to the reinforcement of public lighting. Hence, these works will potentiate and enhance the site.

Before this intervention, the square was unpaved, with five araucarias surrounded by a circular rustic dry stone wall. After the works, the site became a pleasant conviviality centre and a privileged green space for leisure.

Moreover, the concern with the impact that this intervention might have cause was present throughout the entire construction process; however, we have managed to preserve the urban, architectural and environmental values of the site, enhancing the urban structure, always having in mind the paths outlined in the territory. 

The Regional Secretary also mentioned that “bringing a new harmony to this square is what we have achieved here, thus improving the population’s quality of life. This site deserved to be renewed.”

The Graciosa Delegation of the SRCTE (Regional Secretariat for Science, Technology and Infrastructures) has also carried out some complementary works, which were not included in the contract work, such as the restoration of the traditional dry stone walls and the installation of a drinking fountain.

In order to celebrate the opening of the remodelled square, the local population organised an informal a picnic-style dinner with regional products, attended by nearly a hundred people, who expressed their gratitude for the implementation of this work which has brought more commodity to the population.  

“It was worth to all of those who believed that it was possible to improve this square, it was possible to improve what is healthy, a space near the sea and a space which is victorious today: the Beira-Mar square in the hamlet of Vitória,” concluded José Contente, underlining that the Regional Government has met the needs of the population once again.