Lisbon City Council Reverses Decision on Cinema Império's Religious Use: A Controversial Move

Lisbon City Council's Decision on Cinema Império

The Lisbon City Council has made headlines by approving a correction to its previous decision regarding the former Cinema Império. On Wednesday, they maintained the conditional approval for the expansion requested by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD) but reversed the decision to change the building's designation from cultural to religious use.

Background of the Decision

Joana Almeida, the Urban Planning councilor from Novos Tempos, presented the proposal to amend the council's earlier resolution from December 4, which aimed to permit the change of the cultural use of the building, located at the intersection of Alameda D. Afonso Henriques and Avenida Almirante Reis, to a religious facility.

According to a legal opinion from the council, the IURD's use of the building for religious purposes does not require a change in the previously approved urban use. The building is currently licensed for cultural activities related to cinema, which must be preserved.

Details of the Proposed Expansion

The IURD has been utilizing the Cinema Império since 1992 for religious services and seeks to expand its facilities to include administrative services, child and youth activity rooms, training and meeting spaces, and dormitories for staff and students. The project includes an expansion from 4,605 square meters to 5,323 square meters, along with modifications to the building's façade and other internal adjustments.

Cultural Significance and Community Response

The proposal has sparked significant controversy within the film and heritage preservation community. The Portuguese Film Academy (APC) has urged the government and the Lisbon City Council to protect the legacy of the Cinema Império as a cultural space in the city. Additionally, the Fórum Cidadania LX association has requested clarification from the council and the Minister of Culture regarding the legality and implications of the decision.

Cinema Império was inaugurated in May 1952 as a movie theater and closed its doors in 1983. The recent decisions surrounding its future remain a focal point of public interest and debate.