Port Authority proposes moving headquarters to Customs Building in Santos

Customs building is underused and in need of modernization; however, the site is undergoing renovations (Alexsander Ferraz/ AT)

The Port Authority of Santos (APS) has proposed to the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) the transfer of its current headquarters from Rodrigues Alves Avenue, in Macuco, to the Customs Building in República Square, in the center of Santos.

"It is vital to reestablish a physical connection between the APS headquarters, the quay area, and the Historical Center of Santos. This measure aims to enhance the integrated management of the Port Complex and stimulate the revitalization of the central region", states APS President Anderson Pomini in a document sent to MPor, which A Tribuna has accessed.

Pomini’s idea, which emerged at the end of last year, involves a swap. APS would partner with the City Hall of Santos to provide another building to the Federal Revenue Service. The plan is to find facilities that meet the Customs needs and are equipped with modern and computerized infrastructure for the Customs Authority.

"We recognize the historical tradition and symbolism associated with the current building, whose surroundings are known as 'Praça da Alfândega'. However, we are confident that this transition will open new opportunities and foster a renewed work environment", Pomini asserts.

Dual underutilization The underutilization of the Customs Building is central to the APS president's argument. "Due to the inadequate state of preservation, investments are needed for the revitalization and modernization of the entire structure, which, given its low usage, represents a disproportionately high investment", he comments.

Pomini uses the same adjective when referring to the facilities that currently house APS, projecting possible uses for the space. "The area of approximately 67,000 square meters is prime within the Port Organized Zone, where commercial exploitation would be possible, including the establishment of cargo operations".

Revenue projections are also foreseen by APS. "The potential revenue from exploiting the current headquarters site exceeds R\$15 million per year. Such resources could, for example, be used for a complete revitalization and modernization of the Customs Building". The current APS headquarters is listed, which implies conservation requirements.

Staff Despite these projections, APS does not yet know how many employees would move to the new location or if the space would accommodate everyone. Currently, there are just over 800 employees, and the number is expected to approach 1,000 by the end of the year, due to the intake of those approved in the June public competition.

It has also not been considered whether, in the event of a move, the Port Museum could be transferred to the Customs Building. The historical space is located on Avenida Rodrigues Alves, next to the current Port Authority headquarters. "These answers still depend on studies and the continuation of negotiations", the APS states in a note.

Lack of interest and cites strategic position Although the Port Authority of Santos (APS) stated in a note that initial responses on the matter with the involved parties were positive, the Customs Service informed A Tribuna that it is not interested in moving buildings and has not received any formal communication.

"The position in the City Center, next to the Port canal, is strategic and essential for fulfilling the objectives of the Federal Revenue Service Customs", it argues.

Inaugurated in 1934, the building on Praça da República was constructed to house the Customs Service. Currently, the Federal Revenue Service shares the building with other agencies involved in cargo flow, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), centralizing foreign trade control.

The space also hosts numerous customs administration services. The building is estimated to house more than 250 employees from the three agencies.

"Later this year, the building, which is listed by the Santos Council for the Defense of Cultural Heritage (Condepasa) and is undergoing facade restoration, will gain a public space. This will be the new Santos Customs Museum, an interactive space", the Customs Service states in a note.

Other involved parties The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) states that the request for relocation is under review, in accordance with the law. "The aspect of port land use and occupation is extremely relevant, and the goal is always to allocate areas according to the port region's vocation", the department says in a note.

To proceed with a potential swap, according to MPor, changes to the Development and Zoning Plan (PDZ) are necessary, which is currently approved and in effect.

A Tribuna requested an interview with Santos City Hall about the topic with Mayor Rogério Santos (Republicanos) or the Secretary of Port Affairs and Employment, Elias Júnior. However, the Municipal Administration declined the interviews and provided only a statement.

"The opening and/or transfer of businesses and institutions to the Center aligns with the actions adopted for the revitalization of the central region by the City Hall of Santos, which collaborates with the demands of the Port Authority of Santos (APS) – and vice-versa – through the Port-City relationship between the Administration and APS".

Tourism expert and public find the idea positive Tourism expert and consultant Selma Cabral believes that moving APS headquarters to the Customs Building in the Historical Center would help revitalize the area, provided that the Port Museum also relocates.

"More people would circulate in the Historical Center, and the Port Museum is an excellent attraction, adding more to the area than it does now. We would have another museum in the Center alongside existing attractions", she argues.

The professional emphasizes that the museum's collection would offer knowledge on the subject to both tourists – arriving by land or sea – and students. "It would be another important facility with an interesting history", adds the expert.

Public Regarding the topic, A Tribuna interviewed people passing near the Customs Building. Road transport worker Ricardo Alvarez, 52, welcomed the initiative. "I find it very interesting for the project to revitalize the Center," he says.

Fellow transport worker Alex Pires, 42, expressed satisfaction with the initiative. "I think it brings more visibility to the Center and convenience for the professionals in the region", he argues.

The idea also pleased bricklayer Flávio Oliveira do Nascimento, 59. "It's something that helps the Center, especially since we already have the Pelé Museum and the Valongo Park", he commented, referring to the potential relocation of the Port Museum if everything comes to fruition.