The facility aims to meet the rising demand for early childhood education for children up to three years old in the city. It will be constructed on land adjacent to the Lar S. Nicolau care home and will share communal areas with the home, creating an intergenerational environment.

“Daily interaction between children and older adults is invaluable,” explained Conceição Alvim Ferraz, head of the Santa Casa. “It helps the youngest learn to value the elderly, while the residents benefit from the joy and energy the children bring.”

The architectural design has already been approved by the Social Security Institute, which described it as “very innovative and modern”. The project now awaits the opening of a tender by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for co-funding applications. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the nursery scheduled to open in September 2027.

Patrícia Rosado, director of Lar S. Nicolau, noted that despite regional responses to childcare needs, demographic growth and increased employment in Feira have left many families seeking nurseries outside the municipality. Government-funded free childcare has further intensified demand.

The nursery will cover approximately one hectare, including a 1,462-square-metre building, green spaces along the Cáster River, and a sensory garden and vegetable patch where residents and children can engage together. Shared facilities will include kitchens, laundry, and administrative offices.

The project will create 14 new jobs. While the Santa Casa can fund 20% from its own resources, it expects 70-80% support from public authorities, with the municipality committing to cover half of the remaining costs.

The nursery will be named Infantes de Santa Maria, reflecting both the children it serves and the city’s medieval heritage.