The MEZ-RZK Novo Centro consortium won, this Thursday morning (26), the concession auction for the construction and operation of the new administrative center of the government of São Paulo. The event was held at the B3 headquarters, in the center of São Paulo, with the presence of governor Tarcísio de Freitas and mayor Ricardo Nunes.
Formed by the companies Zetta Infraestrutura, M4 Investimentos, Engemat, RZK Empreendimentos Imobiliários and Iron Property, the group offered a discount of 9.62% on the maximum monthly public considerationset at R$76.6 million. The consortium defeated the proposal from the Acciona-Construcap group, which offered a 5% discount.
Tarcísio de Freitas argues that the project will revitalize the center of São Paulo- Paulo Pinto/Agência Brasil
The winning concessionaire will be responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of the complex for 30 years, including cleaning, security and conservation services. The estimated investment is R$6 billion.
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Urban rehabilitation
During the event, governor Tarcísio de Freitas classified the project as a “legacy” for the capital. “We had a goal of contracting R$220 billion in investments in four years. But with today’s and tomorrow’s auctions (of the Rota Mogiana road system), we will reach R$394 billion in investments, which will translate into works, jobs and prosperity”, he added.
According to the governor, the centralization of state structures at a single address, in the Campos Elíseos region, will bring administrative efficiency and savings in travel time for 22 thousand employees.
“It is a step towards the rehabilitation of the center. For us, from a financial point of view, it is very worthwhile because we will gain productivity. We will be able to make investments with the properties that we currently have spread across the city and that no longer serve us”, stated the governor.
Tarcísio also mentioned that the measure is part of the effort to revitalize the region, citing the reduction in the flow of drug users in Cracolândia.
Protests and security
The auction took place under tight security. The Military Police blocked the streets near the B3, preventing normal pedestrian circulation in the historic center. According to the PM, the action aimed to “avoid riots and preserve public order” due to demonstrations in Largo do Café.
Outside, movements such as the Housing Struggle Front (FLM) and the Union of Housing Movements (UMM) protested against the project. Protesters claim that the work will lead to compulsory expropriations, removal of families and artificial increase in property value (gentrification), harming low-income residents.
Questioning residents
At the end of the event, a resident of the Campos Elíseos region managed to access the B3 building and questioned the governor about the lack of dialogue with the community. “I’m one of the 800 residents who weren’t heard. You say you’re going to bring life to the center, but you’re expelling people who already live there, are owners and traders”, criticized journalist Jeniffer Mendonça, who has lived in the neighborhood for 29 years, since she was born.
“We won’t be able to stay in the center with the amount that will be compensated for us, also considering gentrification”, protested Jeniffer.
In response, Tarcísio de Freitas argued that large infrastructure projects invariably require expropriations in the name of the “collective good” and that cases will be analyzed individually. “No one will be left without assistance. The Constitution establishes the rite for expropriation through prior and fair compensation in money. We will strictly comply with the legislation and provide support so that they can find the best property”, he declared.
Demonstration by homeless workers against the São Paulo state government auction – Paulo Pinto/Agência Brasil
Project details
The new administrative center involves the construction of seven buildings and ten towers in Campos Elíseos. The complex will house the governor’s office, secretariats and state agencies that currently occupy more than 40 different addresses.
The project includes:
- Restoration of 17 listed properties;
- Expansion of the green areas of Parque Princesa Isabel;
- Allocation of 25 thousand m² for commerce and services;
- Construction of a new bus terminal.
The government estimates that the project will generate 38,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase and 2,800 permanent jobs in local businesses after inauguration. As for unoccupied buildings, such as Palácio dos Bandeirantes, the state informed that it will evaluate on a case-by-case basis whether they will be sold, granted or converted into popular housing via retrofit.
