A new cultural and sports hub celebrating Portuguese heritage has opened in Jersey, transforming the former Rojos nightclub site.
After over three months of work, the venue was opened to the public on Sunday, with hopes to unite the Portuguese community on the island and share its rich culture with the wider population.
The 2021 Jersey census showed that about 8,000 residents were born in Portugal or Madeira, with 9,700 identifying as ethnically Portuguese.
The Portuguese Cultural and Sports Centre (CCDP), led by President Gilberto Franco, spearheaded the project, which cost £15,000 to complete. Fifteen committee members each contributed £1,000 to bring the vision to life.
Franco expressed that the centre was built with a goal to foster a welcoming environment for both the Portuguese community and the wider public.
“We want to create a beautiful atmosphere, not just for the Portuguese community but for the whole island,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of involving the younger generation in preserving and sharing Portuguese culture.
One of the contributors, Maria de Oliveira, expressed her excitement about the hub’s opening, saying, “The Portuguese community has never had anything like this before, and it’s a space for everyone, no matter their culture.”
Plans for the hub include hosting music and sports events, as well as providing food and drink for visitors, ensuring it serves as a cultural meeting point for all.
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