Loulé's Bold Move: New Oncology Center on the Horizon for Algarve

The president of the Loulé City Council, Vítor Aleixo, announced today the willingness to amend the Detailed Plan of the Parque das Cidades to facilitate the long-awaited Reference Oncology Center of the South. This facility was initially expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

In a press conference, Aleixo stated, "We are ready to promote the amendment of the Detailed Plan of the Parque das Cidades (PPPC) to meet the needs of the Reference Oncology Center of the South (CORS)."

The proposed architectural plans for the center, put forth by the Local Health Unit (ULS) of Algarve, were rejected last week by the municipality's urban planning department. Aleixo praised the city technicians for their quick identification of solutions to expedite the process.

He emphasized that, with a proactive stance from the involved parties – including the Loulé City Council, Faro City Council, and the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) – the detailed plan could be altered within 7 to 8 months.

Aleixo confirmed that he has ready documentation to initiate the operational process for the plan's amendment to incorporate the oncology center. The next steps involve meetings with ULS Algarve, followed by discussions with Faro City Council and CCDR/Algarve.

Last November, the council had already rejected the licensing request from ULS, previously known as the University Hospital Center of Algarve (Chua). The rejection stemmed from multiple issues, including the proposed intervention area exceeding the allowed limit of 5,559.30 m², with a request for 6,907.21 m².

Moreover, the project did not comply with the stipulated green areas, as the maximum construction area of 6,228 m² was surpassed by the architects' proposal of 7,154.25 m².

Aleixo expressed uncertainty regarding the impact of these changes on expected community funding. The Algarve 2030 program recently announced a funding opportunity for the oncology center, with a budget of €8 million.

The center, estimated to cost €12 million, aims to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services for cancer prevention and treatment, serving around 3,500 patients annually. It will be located in the Parque das Cidades, near the future Central Hospital of Algarve, on land provided by the municipalities of Loulé and Faro.

This health infrastructure investment is part of the National Strategy for the Fight Against Cancer 2021/2030, led by the Ministry of Health, and is funded by community resources to address the recognized regional inequality in access to cancer care between Lisbon and Seville.

The Parque das Cidades spans 225 hectares, primarily designed to promote the Algarve, especially during the UEFA EURO 2004. Over 70% of the area is dedicated to green spaces and ecological corridors.