Sands China to revitalize Iec Long Firecracker Factory and surrounding old streets

Sands China has announced its revitalization plan for the old Iec Long Firecracker Factory and its surrounding areas in Taipa, to boost cultural and tourism elements in the areas.

In a press conference, the gaming operator said the sites include the old Iec Long Firecracker Factory, the Patio da Eterna Felicidade, Rua das Estalagens and surrounding spaces.

The old Iec Long Firecracker Factory, built in 1925, is the only set of buildings from the firecracker industry in Macau that have remained well-preserved to the present day.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau completed the first phase of revitalization in 2022, building a walkway about 400 meters long and recovering and revitalizing some small buildings, which were opened to the public at the end of 2022.

Sands China’s revitalization plan will include an augmented reality (AR) experience detailing the factory’s history, as well as food and drink outlets.

The President of Sands China has said they are aiming to launch the AR project, which is currently in design stage, in the first half of next year.

Also, the group plans to transform Taipa Houses into a more pleasant place with Sino-Portuguese characteristics for wedding photographs.

The group aims to revitalize the Pátio da Eterna Felicidade, transforming it into a place of creation and exchange for contemporary artists, reinforcing the atmosphere of arts appreciation and community connection with adjacent streets such as Rua das Estalagens.

Artistic groups and artists from Macau will be invited to participate in the street beautification project, decorating shops, street signs and sidewalk protections on Rua das Estalagens, and recreating the neighborhood’s previous appearance. 

At the same time, a business incubation plan will be launched to encourage Macau companies to open typical stores on Rua das Estalagens, thus promoting the entertainment and fashion trends of this ancient street and revitalizing the old neighborhood. Sands China Ltd. will also irregularly hold a variety of cultural activities.

The Pátio da Eterna Felicidade is the Chinese-style courtyard in the best state of preservation and the largest in Macau, made up of 13 buildings with a unified architectural style and high continuity. The Pátio, adjacent to historic streets such as the circulating streets of Ruínas de São Paulo, Rua dos Ervanários and Rua das Estalagens, is a place where several neighborhoods connect. In the past, Rua das Estalagens was one of the most prosperous commercial streets in Macau.

The revitalization plan is a government-backed project where gaming operators revitalize sites and areas to boost non-gaming projects.

Staff Reporter