The Regional Government President recently advocated for the construction of buildings over 20 stories in Funchal as a solution to Madeira's housing shortage. These statements sparked hundreds of social media comments, with most opposing the idea due to its landscape impact.
A minority current supported the proposal, leading one citizen to lament on social media that a project for a building over 20 stories in the Leacock block had not proceeded, blaming the Funchal Municipal Chamber (CMF) for a "myopic vision."
The project in question, known as 'Funchal Centrum', was presented in 2000 by architect Ricardo Bofill, envisioning two 25-story towers. However, the project underwent changes and faced strong political and public opposition throughout 2001, with criticism regarding its landscape impact and construction index. In August 2001, the then CMF president, Miguel Albuquerque, stated that the towers, as presented, would not be approved due to violations of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) regulations.
