There are places that hold more than walls — they hold memories. In Silves, at the heart of the Algarve, one such place stands quietly, waiting for a new chapter. Once a symbol of the region’s thriving cork industry, Fábrica do Inglês is now set to become a landmark of cultural revival and sustainable urban regeneration.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
For over a century, cork was one of Portugal’s most prized exports, and Silves — with its river, castle, and industrious people — played a vital role in that story. The Fábrica do Inglês (literally “The Englishman’s Factory”) was both a symbol of progress and community. Generations worked there, and its chimneys shaped the town’s skyline.
When the machines stopped and the doors closed, the site fell silent — but its legacy never faded. It remained a place charged with emotion, history, and potential.
A New Vision for Silves
Antrix is bringing this emblematic space back to life, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends hospitality, culture, and community.
The redevelopment will preserve the essence of the original structure — the iconic red-brick façades and industrial details — while introducing new life through design, art, and innovation. The project envisions a dynamic fusion of museum spaces, boutique hospitality, cultural venues, and public areas that invite both locals and visitors to experience the spirit of Silves in a contemporary way.
More Than Restoration — A Cultural Reconnection
This is not about rebuilding the past; it’s about reconnecting with it.
Through collaboration with local stakeholders, artists, and historians, the Fábrica do Inglês will once again become a place of encounter — where tradition meets creativity, and heritage meets the future.
For the community, it represents pride.
For investors, it represents value.
For Antrix, it represents purpose: shaping destinations that stand for more than architecture — they stand for identity.
Building Tomorrow, Respecting Yesterday
By reimagining the Fábrica do Inglês, Antrix reinforces its belief that progress and preservation are not opposites — they are partners in sustainable development.
As this historic site prepares to reopen its doors in a new form, it carries a message: the Algarve’s future can be as inspiring as its past.
The past built the foundation. The future is what we make of it.
Discover the story behind the transformation at antrix.pt.
