Rio de Janeiro’s port zone, an important part of the city’s plans to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is to receive a makeover. Work began today on a range of projects to revitalize the “Marvelous Port,” spanning infrastructure, housing, culture and entertainment. The official inauguration of the work was attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Minister of Tourism Luiz Barretto, Cities Minister Márcio Fortes, minister and head of the Special Ports Secretariat, Pedro Brito, Governor Sérgio Cabral, Mayor Eduardo Paes, and Rio 2016 Secretary General Carlos Roberto Osório.

The revitalization of the port of Rio de Janeiro is one of the commitments set out in the city’s Candidature File submitted to the International Olympic Committee. The port area is planned to host a 1,840-bedroom Accommodation Village, as well as cruise ships to be used for accommodation. The “Marvelous Port” project also involves improvements to Mauá Square and the region’s main streets, the construction of an underground garage for 1,000 vehicles, the restoration of dilapidated historic buildings to accommodate 499 new residences, a new public art gallery, and a new Museum of Tomorrow, which will feature futuristic science-themed interactive exhibitions. “Rio de Janeiro is an important Brazilian and world city,” said President Lula during the event. “The federal government guarantees its full support to revitalize the port, which will become another icon of the city. Initiatives like this are only possible because of cooperation between the three levels of government and our commitment to work together for Rio.”

Governor Sergio Cabral noted the importance of port activities for Rio de Janeiro and thanked President Lula for his support. “The federal government invested in the Pan American Games and achieved the best event in the history of the competition. The revitalization of the port area is another dream that is coming true. This investment in urban, tourist and entertainment infrastructure will facilitate economic activities in the port area, which is so important for Rio de Janeiro,” he said.

A total of R$374 million (about $187 million) will be invested to revitalize the area. “This is a symbolic day for Rio de Janeiro, as we are working to transform an historic area of major economic activity,” said Mayor Eduardo Paes. “Furthermore, the improvements are fundamental for Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

According to Carlos Roberto Osório, the renovation of the area is a concrete step towards holding the 2016 Games. “The plans include structural improvements and facilities for cruise ships, focusing on tourism. The whole port area, with its historic buildings and docks, will become a new attraction, full of vitality, in the heart of Rio,” he said.