Praça Marechal Âncora will gain a space for leisure, culture and gastronomy open to the public.

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall opens a public consultation for the requalification and activation of the space on the Orla Conde waterfront. Photo: Roberto Gonçalves/CCPar

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Companhia Carioca de Parcerias e Investimentos (CCPar), has opened a public consultation for the subsequent bidding process for the concession of use of Praça Marechal Âncora, in the city's central region, in a total area of ​​up to 12,2 square meters. The future concessionaire will be able to construct a structure of up to 4 square meters, intended for activities related to gastronomy, leisure, and culture. The project, which aims to guarantee free public access to Rio residents and visitors, must preserve the integration of the facility with the public space, Guanabara Bay, and the surrounding architectural, historical, and cultural elements, as well as encourage the flow and lingering of people.

– The proposal has the potential to strengthen the economic development of the region, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, and activities that contribute to the appreciation of the surrounding area. The initiative also connects to the strategy of stimulating a more qualified occupation of the city center, generating new economic dynamics and expanding the area's potential for residents, workers, and visitors – explains the municipal secretary of Economic Development, Osmar Lima.

The bidding process will be conducted using a technical and price-based evaluation, allowing for the assessment of not only economic aspects but also the quality and suitability of the architectural, urban planning, and operational solutions presented by interested parties. The concessionaire will be responsible for the operation, conservation, and maintenance of the space. The tender also emphasizes the importance of valuing local culture and caring for the environment.

Among the guidelines are the adoption of solutions focused on sustainability and the efficient use of natural resources. Some of the measures include taking advantage of natural lighting and ventilation, energy efficiency, the rational use and reuse of water, the collection and reuse of rainwater, the use of renewable energy sources, and the adoption of nature-based solutions such as gardens and green roofs. The project should include initiatives that minimize environmental impacts and waste generation, with the rational use of materials and resources and the adoption of solutions that guarantee comfort, safety, and well-being for users.

It should also contribute to the appreciation of local identity, encouraging the population to take ownership of the space and considering traditional cultural expressions of the region. The activities should aim to promote the vitality of the Square throughout the week, serving both the public that circulates in the region on weekdays and those who frequent the area on weekends.

Free access will be preserved.

One of the principles of the future concession is maintaining the public character of the area. The so-called Extended Influence Area will remain open and available for unrestricted use by the population. No admission fees will be allowed for events held in this space, guaranteeing the maintenance of the Square as a place for social interaction, gathering, and democratic access.

The consultation will remain open for 45 days.

The public consultation will last 45 days and will receive suggestions and contributions from the public, experts, institutions, entrepreneurs and other interested parties. The objective is to improve the project before the publication of the bidding notice, incorporating contributions that can enhance the proposal and its integration with the city and the users of Praça Marechal Âncora. The notice and its annexes are available for consultation on the CCPar website (ccpar.rio/marechalancora), and contributions can be submitted via the form on the project page on the website.

The model was developed based on studies presented by private investors within a Private Expression of Interest (PIO). If the concession goes ahead, the winner will have to reimburse the costs of the studies. The economic proposal also foresees a minimum payment of R$ 2,2 million to the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, with 20% as a down payment and the remainder divided into 36 monthly installments.

Currently, Praça Marechal Âncora is part of Orla Conde, a public promenade along the Guanabara Bay. The space was reopened in 2016, after its redevelopment as part of Porto Maravilha, a revitalization project for the Port Zone of Rio de Janeiro.