This iconic building with approximately 200 sq.m gross construction area is located next to the Cascais Bay. It consists of 3 floors: basement, ground floor and mezzanine. At the level of the ground floor there is a small terrace facing the bay.

Strengths:
• Proximity to the sea
• Architecture

Challenges:
• Limited footfall
• Significant investment
• Fragmentation into three floors and steep vertical access to the mezzanine

Approach & Status:
Since the building is not located in an area of intense footfall, we looked for a destination-concept able to draw both Cascais residents and visitors. Within the F&B (Food & Beverage) sector, which can most benefit from the outdoor area with sea views (currently PSP parking), we focused our search on bistros, gastro-bars or cafes (or their combination), as the building is too fragmented and offers insufficient scale for a restaurant.

We ended up selecting Café Joyeux, which, in addition to fulfilling all the requirements, is a socially responsible project, with the purpose of training and employing people with cognitive disabilities such as Down syndrome or autism.

The architectural project foreseeing adaptation to the new use and complete renovation of the building (SPO 2639/2021), including structure reinforcement, has been approved by the Municipality, as well as the respective technical projects. The construction permit was issued in January 2023 and works are under way. Opening is expected in the summer of 2023.