Work progresses on the New Urban Park in the heart of Porto

• 21 November, 23

Marriott Renaissance Lapa has spent 17,000 m2 to develop the new urban park in the center of Porto, a winter lake and metro connection. Until now, the work progress has already started. The Lapa Urban Park is being built by Mercan Group, in an agreement with Porto City Council that involves the new Renaissance Hotel in Lapa, a brand owned by the luxury hospitality Marriott, which opened on April 17 this year.

There are two branches of an underground river – the Ribeira de Vilar, which runs through Rua de Cervantes. The new urban planning project will bring it to the surface, allowing the green space to serve as a sponge during the winter, preventing flooding and acting as a protective dam for the city’s riverside areas. During periods of prolonged rain, it is likely that a mirror of water will appear in Lapa, similar to a lake.

In addition to the planting of various species of trees, the park will have a “play route” and a “pedestrian route”. The first phase of work has already started and the second phase of construction of the park, covering another 2,500 square meters, should only begin in 2025. A cafeteria to support visitors is planned.

The Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel

Lapa’s newest four-star hotel is also being built in phases. The first building, on Rua de Cervantes, is already in operation. It has 163 rooms, four suites, a rooftop pool, gym and conference space for 600 people. The second phase of construction, which involves a second building connected by bridges, begins in parallel with the works on the urban park. In total, the Mercan group will invest 90.5 million euros in Lapa.

Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel spends 3,000 square meters for streets and 14,500 square meters for the public park. The Lapa land behind the metro station was a “secret” in the city, explains by Miguel Gomes. Furthermore, a direct connection is also being built between Parque Urbano and the Lapa metro station.

Cre Porto canal