Source: https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-09-05/antrix-and-carvoeiro-branco-announce-the-purchase-of-the-emblematic-fabrica-do-ingles-in-silves/872586

Antrix and Carvoeiro Branco announce the purchase of the emblematic Fábrica do Inglês in Silves

Antrix and Carvoeiro Branco, real estate developers based in the Algarve, are proud to announce the acquisition of the emblematic Fábrica do Inglês in Silves.

This step represents an investment of significant economic, cultural, and patrimonial value for the municipality and the entire Algarve region.

The future of the Fábrica do Inglês will focus on celebrating its cultural significance and preserving the industrial heritage that shaped it. A key priority will be the reopening of the space to the community, re-establishing the Fábrica as a central part of the city’s cultural life. The first step will be the revival of the Cork Museum, which was named the best industrial museum in Europe in 2001 and welcomed over 100,000 visitors that same year.

The project also includes the preservation and careful restoration of the complex’s historic buildings, with particular emphasis on the iconic 19th-century chalet, which will continue to welcome visitors as a tea house. The future offices of Antrix and Carvoeiro Branco will be located within one of the restored historic buildings, reinforcing not only the developers’ local roots, but also their commitment to preserving and enhancing the site’s historic architecture. A boutique hotel unit will complete the project, fostering new economic and cultural dynamics for the city.

“Fábrica do Inglês is an undeniable landmark in the collective memory of Silves. Our goal is to preserve its identity and bring it back to life with a renewed purpose that honours the past, respects its history, and adds value to the territory. We are proud to be in a position to reactivate such a meaningful space for both the city and the Algarve,” says Erik de Vlieger, co-founder and President of Antrix and CEO of Carvoeiro Branco.

An industrial and cultural heritage spanning centuries

Fábrica do Inglês has deep roots in the industrial and cultural history of the Algarve. It was first established in 1894 as a cork factory, one of the most significant industries for the Algarve’s economy in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1908, Victor Sadler, a British citizen, was hired to manage the factory, becoming forever linked to its identity and the origin of the name “Fábrica do Inglês” (“The Englishman’s Factory”).

After the industrial operations ceased, the complex was restored and, in 1999, opened to the public as a Cork Museum, becoming a national reference. In the years that followed, it also hosted concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub.

The venue remained active for several years after its cultural transformation but ultimately closed in 2009 following the insolvency of its management company. This marked the beginning of a long period of abandonment and decay. It was in this context that Antrix and Carvoeiro Branco began taking steps toward the site’s recovery, fully recognising its historical and cultural importance.

A Project Rooted in Commitment and Local Ties

The realization of this project would not have been possible without the strong support of the Municipality of Silves. We highlight the vision and key contributions of Mayor Rosa Palma and Deputy Mayor Luísa Conduto, as well as the involvement of Councillor Maxime Sousa Bispo, responsible for planning and urban development, and the urban management services under his leadership. Their institutional and technical collaboration was instrumental in making this investment possible, preventing the further degradation of the site and paving the way for this new chapter. Our gratitude also extends to Banco Atlântico Europa S.A., a key partner throughout this journey.

The commitment of the developers to Silves has been built over nearly two decades, ever since Erik de Vlieger first expressed his personal interest in Fábrica do Inglês. Over the years, this connection has deepened, notably through the main sponsorship of Silves Football Club, led by Carlos Placa, whose continued support has been invaluable. The future installation of Antrix and Carvoeiro Branco’s offices in the city further reinforces this connection to the local community.