Construction is underway by the Casais Group, which aims to complete construction of the university residence, which will have a total of 786 beds, by the summer of 2026.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Grupo Casais;

According to idealista, the student’s residence will consist of two buildings, maintaining the original facades, interior walls, and ceilings, thus maintaining the original building's layout.

In one of the buildings, the residence will have six bedrooms, two of which will be adapted for people with reduced mobility. In total, there are 19 units with capacity for four people, designed for master's and doctoral students, or professors who wish to accommodate family members. The building has 25 units that accommodate up to 84 people, as well as study rooms, a common room, a dining area, and a separate preparation area. Residents will also have access to a laundry room, a gym, and a museum.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Grupo Casais;

The new part of the building will house 476 housing units, accommodating 702 residents. In total, there will be 252 single rooms, 22 double rooms, and two triple rooms. In addition to the rooms, the building will also have 15 shared kitchens, six study rooms, a leisure area, and a shared laundry room.

In a statement, Grupo Casais CEO António Carlos Rodrigues, quoted by idealista, explains that "the biggest challenge of this project is reconciling the preservation of the historic building with the construction of the building from scratch, while ensuring functionality, sustainability, and comfort for future residents."

"It is a project that requires advance planning and meticulousness at every stage of the project, but one that makes us very proud. By building this residence, we're supporting the new generations, giving them better opportunities to study in one of the regions that receives the most students from other parts of the country," he concludes.