Tech company takes over brewery, aiming for high-tech offices
In the heart of Coimbra, Present Technologies, a leading technology company with a focus on diverse areas such as space, finance, automotive, and security, is set to transform a historic building on Avenida Emídio Navarro. The company, which currently operates from the Pedro Nunes Institute, purchased the property three years ago, where the first factory of the Companhia de Cervejas de Coimbra was initially located.
The building, steeped in history and linked to beer production, will undergo a significant renovation, aiming to preserve its historic significance while incorporating commercial and restaurant spaces on the ground floor. This substantial investment, amounting to several million euros, responds to Present Technologies' recent growth and the shortage of suitable spaces for expansion in Coimbra.
The company, which enjoys a ten-year cycle of significant growth with a focus on internationalization, has experienced 25% to 30% annual growth in the last five to six years. Around 70% to 75% of its revenue is related to the foreign market.
The renovation project has received a favourable opinion from the Coimbra City Council. City Council member Paulo Martins considers the location, which will eventually be passed by the Mondego Mobility System, as an "ideal location." Vítor Batista, another city council member, believes that having the SMM right on the doorstep and the ease of access ensures "better conditions" for the company's attractiveness.
Present Technologies decided to invest in the urban rehabilitation project due to limited alternatives. The company expects to complete construction of the building by the end of 2026. In addition to its main location in Coimbra, Present Technologies has offices in Porto and Sertã.
As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, it aims to maintain its current growth rate and continue its international expansion. The renovation project is not only a testament to Present Technologies' commitment to heritage conservation but also to its ambitious business growth plans. The building, once it is renovated, will serve as a modern tech headquarters merged with commercial uses, reflecting both the city's rich history and Present Technologies' forward-thinking approach.
The property includes a building at the back that won't be renovated yet, but could be in the future if the company continues to grow. For now, the focus remains on the main building, where the transformation is already underway. The renovation is expected to enhance the city's landscape and provide a unique blend of tradition and innovation, embodying the spirit of Coimbra and Present Technologies.
- Despite the rise in technology businesses, Present Technologies' decision to invest in the renovation of a historical property on Avenida Emídio Navarro in Coimbra, previously a beer factory, demonstrates their commitment to preserving heritage while maintaining their growth in the real estate sector.
- As Present Technologies continues to expand internationally and enjoys a ten-year cycle of significant growth, the company's recent investment in the transformation of a historic building serves as a nod to the company's roots in finance while positioning them as a pioneer in business and technology.
- With the addition of commercial and restaurant spaces on the ground floor and a projected completion date of 2026, the renovated building will not only serve as a modern tech headquarters for Present Technologies but also open up new opportunities for investing and fostering partnerships in the burgeoning Coimbra business community.
