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This blog post provides some background into the three main areas of the Portuária zone in Rio de Janeiro city – a region which is attracting an increasing amount of attention from real estate and land investors as a result of a significant amount of infrastructural investment coming into the area.

Gamboa

Gamboa was officially created in 1981; is located in the northern central area of Rio de Janeiro city and consists of large industrial units, commercial buildings and lower-middle class residential housing.  For most of the nineteeth century, Gamboa was where much of Rio’s wealthy resided and, due to its proximity to the port, became a popular visiting area (particularly from European traders). However, from the end of the nineteenth century, the area began to lose its status and uncontrolled growth saw Gamboa remain in a state of decline for much of the twentieth century.

The reinvention of Gamboa was officially announced in 2003 by the Rio de Janeiro Prefeitura (the local government).Whilst many are debating the regeneration is taking longer than what was originally stated, Gamboa has seen some major projects underway including the Cidade do Samba (‘City of Samba’); the Vila Olímpica (‘Olympic Village’ in time for 2016); the Condomínio da Gamboa (‘the Gamboa Condominium’); the largest aquarium in Latin America and several other commercial developments in time for the World Cup 2014.  The area has also been referenced as being the ‘new Lapa’ (one of Rio’s most popular night spots) with regards to the increasing amount of concert venues and nightclubs appearing. Gamboa’s only favela – Morro da Providencia – has recently witnessed several pacification programmes and a large proportion of the governments PAC-2 (Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento) funding programme will go towards improving the area (the Portuária area will receive the most amount of project finance that any other part of Rio de Janeiro).

Major streets:

Sacadura Cabral – connects to the main financial district of Rio de Janeiro – Avenida Rio Branco – and is home to a large hospital, a large supermarket, hairdressers, bars, luncheonettes, commercial and residential buildings.

Avenida Venezuela – located close to the Sacadura Cabral, this is where large amount of industrial units are located.

Praça da Harmonia – at the end of the Avenida Venezuela, a large precinct is located which is home to the Complexo Moinho Fluminense which has recently been purchased by  a large American company who are intending to convert the building into a large shopping centre.  There is also a small plaza with a childrens play area and seating.

Rua do Livramento – road that commences on the Avenida Venezuela and leads to Santo Cristo (see below).

Rua da Gamboa – a street of shops and residential housing that runs perpendicular to Sacadura Cabral.

Rua Pedro Ernesto – a road consisting of commercial and residential buildings.

Avenida Rodrigues Alves – a road that passes underneath the Elevado da Perimetral reaching the habour of Praça Mauá.

Please see a video of some photos taken throughout the Portuária area below:

Saúde

Saúde is a neighbourhood located between Gamboa and Praça Mauá and is recognised by industrial units, commercial buildings, warehouses and depots located in the region.  As a result of the Portuária revitalisation programme, there are large companies seeking occupy these areas – industries include: trade, leisure, tourism, trade, entertainment, service and delivery.  Other notable features of the area include the Morro da Conceição (a large fortress), the Polícia Federal (‘Federal Police’), the Justiça Federal (‘Federal Court’), the Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia (‘National Institute of Technology’) and the Centro Cultural da Ação da Cidadania (‘Cultural Center for Citizen Action’).

Two short video clips of the Portuária area are below:

Santo Cristo

Located in the northern region of the Portuária area, Santo Cristo is considered a lower-middle class neighbourhood ‘in transition’ as a result of proximity to the city centre, Saúde and Gamboa.  The majority of the buildings are of duplex style, with commercial on the ground floor and residential above.  Santo Cristo is also recognised as being one of the only parts of the city to truly maintain and hold on to the colonial authenticity of traditional Rio de Janeiro – including winding paths, intricate staircases and slopes.  The neighbourhood is very quiet during the day and, according to locals, host to the best bars and parties in Rio. Many cariocas would consider the neighbourhood to be one of risk – yet is worth noting that the area’s crime statistics have significantly been decreasing as a result of an increased police presence and community programmes.