Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
With the start of construction in 2025 and the opening scheduled for 2027, the new VillaMar Shopping emerges as a new era for the city of Praia Grande, promising to generate thousands of jobs and drive the local economy.
One of the largest commercial investments in Baixada Santista is set to begin: VillaMar Shopping, a new commercial center in Praia Grande, will start construction in July 2025. The announcement was made by businessman Paulo Mendes, president of the Mendes Group, which leads the project. With an opening forecasted for September 2027, the venture is expected to generate between 3,000 to 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, solidifying its status as a landmark in the city’s economic development.
Jobs And Economic Impact With The New Shopping Center Construction
The expectation of generating thousands of jobs is one of the main points highlighted by authorities and investors. During the construction phase, the number of workers is expected to reach around 2,000 people. In the store assembly phase, the workforce will increase with the entry of various partner construction companies.
“To build, we estimate around 2,000 people. And during the assembly of the stores, this number increases, because it will be our workforce, plus several other contracted construction companies to build each of the stores,” said Paulo Mendes.
-
Florianópolis will receive a million-dollar BRT that will begin construction in 2026 with nearly 400 million in funding from the federal government and the Inter-American Development Bank, and the map already shows the routes for the exclusive bus corridors.
-
Without a blueprint, without an engineer, and using scrap from the dump, a father spends 15 years building an 18-room castle for his daughter, featuring tram tracks, 13 fireplaces, and over 700 m², which may now be demolished.
-
A megaproject worth R$ 89 billion is advancing in Iraq and promises to change the game in global trade by creating a new corridor between Asia and Europe, reducing traditional routes and repositioning the country as a logistics powerhouse.
-
Goodbye bedside table: floating shelves become a trend in 2026 by freeing up space in the bedroom, improving circulation, bringing visual lightness, and integrating technology without taking up floor space.
Once operational, VillaMar Shopping is expected to generate between 3,000 and 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, promoting a positive cycle of income generation and economic activity in the city.
New Shopping Center Will Be Larger Than Praiamar Shopping
The new shopping center will be built in a strategic location in the city, on Avenida Presidente Kennedy, in the Mirim neighborhood, near the Municipal Hall.
With 160,000 square meters of built area and 42,000 square meters of Gross Leasable Area (GLA), VillaMar will be larger than Praiamar Shopping in Santos, which has 40,000 m² of GLA.
The project anticipates around 300 stores, although the final number of operations will exceed 200, as many brands are expected to occupy more than one space.
“We divided into 300 stores, but there will definitely be more than 200 operations, because many stores will take two or three spaces and set up an operation,” Mendes detailed.
One of the differentiators of VillaMar Shopping will be its modern and inclusive architectural design. The venture will comply with all accessibility and safety standards, including double stairways, elevators, and installations in accordance with federal legislation and the Fire Department’s regulations.
The structure has also been designed to optimize the flow of vehicle and pedestrian entry and exit. The area around the shopping center will be redesigned with logistical improvements to support the increased circulation, resulting from traffic studies conducted since 2018, including public hearings and planning in partnership with the Praia Grande City Hall.
Mendes Group Is Already Marketing Stores And Bets On The City’s Potential
The process of marketing anchor stores has already begun by the Mendes Group, and soon satellite stores will also be available for negotiation. The choice of Praia Grande was driven by the population’s receptiveness and the city’s growth potential.
“From the beginning, we saw how welcoming and hospitable Praia Grande is. Everyone is engaged in doing the best, and I’m sure the best shopping center in the chain will be in Praia Grande,” Mendes said, expressing optimism about the success of the venture.
The mayor of Praia Grande, Alberto Mourão, celebrated the announcement of VillaMar Shopping and highlighted the benefits it will bring to the city.
“A project of this magnitude proves that the city is on the right track. The most important thing is that thousands of jobs will be generated, in addition to the evolution of the local economy,” he said.
Mourão also emphasized that projects of this magnitude help attract new companies, franchises, and investors, stimulating entrepreneurship.
“The presence of a shopping center also favors the installation of new companies and franchises, stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation. For the city, this means greater income circulation and a more dynamic and diversified economy,” he pointed out.
Mirim Neighborhood Will Be Valued With The Arrival Of VillaMar
The installation of VillaMar Shopping in the Mirim neighborhood is expected to significantly boost the development of the area. Real estate appreciation and improvement of urban infrastructure are anticipated effects.
“We are projecting a major change over the next five years. Properties will appreciate in this neighborhood and in surrounding areas,” Mourão highlighted.
Additionally, the City Hall has intensified works and improvements in all neighborhoods of the city. The construction of the shopping center is part of a sustainable development strategy, which includes public and private investments in infrastructure, health, education, and urban mobility.
As part of the requirements for the installation of the new shopping center, the Mendes Group delivered, in partnership with the City Hall, the Usafa Melvi II, the 31st Family Health Unit of Praia Grande.
The initiative is part of the construction impact mitigation plan and demonstrates the group’s commitment to the local population.
More than just a shopping center, VillaMar Shopping will be a space for conviviality, leisure, and well-being for residents.
“In addition, the space will offer opportunities for leisure and community interaction, strengthening the sense of community and promoting the well-being of residents,” concluded Mourão.
Source: Praia Grande City Hall.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!