The tower was purchased by Santa Casa for R$32 million 16 years ago, six months after being acquired for just R$18 million. The building was abandoned and is now up for auction.
Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML) announced the public auction of a tower located on Avenida José Malhoa, in Lisbon, with a base sales value of 10.86 million euros.
This property is part of a block acquired 16 years ago by 32 million euros and which remained unused. The lot also includes land on Calçada da Boa Hora, valued at 13.36 million euros, and three buildings for rehabilitation in Oeiras, with a base value of 782 thousand euros.
This operation is part of SCML’s restructuring plan, presented in July by the team led by provider Paulo de Sousa. The plan foresees cost reduction and asset disposal to generate an estimated financial impact of R$58.8 million in the second half of 2024. However, with the second public auction scheduled for January 2025, the target is unlikely to be achieved within the stipulated period, refers to .
The controversy surrounding the block of buildings on Avenida José Malhoa dates back to 2008, when they were acquired for 32 million euros, despite having cost the seller 18 million six months earlier. In 2011, Pedro Santana Lopes, then the ombudsman, ordered an internal investigation, which revealed no criminal evidence, but led to the suspension of works planned by the previous administration. Since then, the building has remained abandoned and dilapidated.
On a social level, SCML has shown progress. An additional 15 beds were hired in the National Integrated Continuing Care Network and the Raquel Ribeiro Residence was opened, designed to temporarily accommodate people with reduced mobility. The Sant’Ana Orthopedic Hospital also received a new wing with 41 beds for hospital discharges and cooperation was reinforced with the Santa Maria Local Health Unit, benefiting 5700 users.
Another highlight is the Grilo Temporary Accommodation Center, which increased the response capacity for homeless people in Lisbon, welcoming up to 90 people per day.
Asset disposals and restructuring measures, which include pre-retirements for workers, have generated political scrutiny. The PS Parliamentary Group requested clarification on the impact of the plan, highlighting the need to evaluate ongoing measures and their effects on the sustainability of SCML.
