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The sale of the headquarters building of Sport Club Lusitânia, located on Rua da Sé, was approved by a majority of members at the club’s general assembly held Thursday night.

The debate over the sale of the historic property lasted more than two hours and drew 36 members. Of those present, 31 voted in favor of the board’s proposal, two voted against it, and three abstained.

José Gaspar Lima, president of the club’s general assembly, told Diário Insular that “the majority of members understood that this is the only solution for the club to continue its activity in the future, given that operating costs far exceed official support and the club’s own revenues.” He added that the decision represents “a very important step, because without this solution I see no other possibility for Lusitânia to have a future.”

Club president Pedro Tomé said the proposal is aimed at “financially saving the club.” According to Tomé, Lusitânia carries a debt of approximately €3 million, stemming from a court-approved recovery plan (PER) and day-to-day operations. “The only way to save the club is to sell the headquarters,” he said.

As part of the process, the board plans to contact all creditors to determine the exact amount owed to each—“down to the last cent”—and to negotiate settlements so that the sale can move forward. Should the decision to proceed with the sale be confirmed, a new general assembly will be convened to inform members of the terms of the transaction and the precise level of the club’s debt.

Tomé said there have already been preliminary contacts regarding a potential sale, “but nothing has been finalized, because members still need to weigh in on the matter.”

Plans for a New Headquarters

If the property is sold, Lusitânia’s leadership intends to build a new headquarters on land already owned by the club on Avenida Infante D. Henrique, opposite the former Celeiros complex. That plan, however, will depend on the final sale price of the downtown building in Angra do Heroísmo.

The proposed new facility would be completed within eight months and would include a commercial area with a club store, offices, meeting rooms, a trophy room, a cafeteria, and a kitchen. The project also envisions the possible construction of an apartment block, with units to be sold or rented.

The current headquarters is located at Solar de D. Violante do Canto, a building that has been classified since 2004 as a Regional Monument and Property of Public Interest. The original structure dates back to the 16th century.

Sport Club Lusitânia acquired the property in June 1962 for 560,000 escudos—an amount equivalent to approximately €2.7 million at today’s exchange value.

In Diário Insular, José Lourenço-director.

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