The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport said the redevelopment project of the area where the old Santa Clara Slaughterhouse was located, an investment over 350 thousand Euros, demonstrates the Azorean Government's ability to fulfil its commitment to rehabilitate historical spaces in the archipelago, thus meeting the requests of citizens.
 
Vítor Fraga spoke at the presentation of the redevelopment and landscaping project of the area surrounding the old Industrial Slaughterhouse in Ponta Delgada. He stressed that this intervention responds to the request of citizens in the village of Santa Clara, representing, "once again, the fulfilment of the commitment we made" to "rehabilitate and improve, with dignity, this historical space."
 
The Regional Secretary reminded that the Regional Government's actions have focused on "the enhancement and preservation of public spaces and historical areas in the archipelago without altering what already exists," while improving the quality of life of citizens.
 
Regarding the project presented today, Vítor Fraga added that the Government of the Azores, "in addition to investing 120 thousand Euros in demolition works" in that area, will invest "over 350 thousand Euros in the implementation of the newly presented project."
 
In his speech, he stressed that this project is aimed at a better urban integration of the village, while providing the population with a new green space and improving road traffic.
 
The project includes an intervention in an area of about 9,500 m2, of which more than 5,000 m2 correspond to the new garden area. It will include footpaths and lawn areas, which will allow the organisation of recreational activities as well as the practice of sports; the latter will be promoted with sports equipment to be installed in this area.
 
Moreover, it also includes the planting of native plant species or those common used in the Azores to ensure a perfect landscaping as well as the establishment of a public lighting network for the entire space.
 
The intervention will also create 41 new parking spaces in order to minimise the village' difficulties in of terms parking areas.
 
"For all these reasons, we can say this is a complete work," Vítor Fraga said, adding that it "combines well-being and the improvement of the quality of life with the recovery of historical areas, acknowledging the value of heritage."
 
According to the Regional Secretary, this project is a clear evidence of the "recognition due to Santa Clara." The government added that the intervention carried out by the Government of the Azores in this space reflects "our environmental awareness and our action in ecological matters"; it also provides for the creation of infrastructures for charging electric vehicles.
 
Vítor Fraga also highlighted the importance of public green spaces to support and organise the urban network of villages.
 
"I think this is exactly what we have designed for the village of Santa Clara to dignify this space," the government official said, considering that we intend to ensure the quality of urban life "for the well-being and benefit of all."
 
Vítor Fraga considered that this contract work is "especially relevant" because it returns this space not only to all citizens living in Santa Clara, but also to the city of Ponta Delgada.
 
"We took our time, of course, but as usual, we are where we wanted to be, managing our priorities and not letting anything or anyone behind," said the Regional Secretary.