Fábrica do Inglês | Historic Cork Factory in Silves

FÁBRICA DO INGLÊS

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Preserving the Heritage, Building the Future

Fábrica do Inglês, a former cork factory and museum located in Silves, will be revitalized into a multifunctional development honoring the site’s cultural significance and preserving the industrial heritage that shaped it.

The restoration of the old factory represents a commitment to the urban and cultural regeneration of the city and the preservation of its historical identity, integrating new functions and uses that project the space into the future.

The first phase will focus on re-establishing Fábrica do Inglês as a central part of the city’s cultural life. Central to this vision is the reopening of the renowned Cork Museum, alongside the restoration of the original 19th-century chalet, which will serve as a tea house, with outdoor green areas for people to enjoy, and the new offices of Carvoeiro Branco and its sister company, Antrix.

The second phase will include the development of a boutique hotel unit and additional amenities. Our focus is on developing a project that preserves the identity of this emblematic location and brings it back to life with a renewed purpose for future generations.

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An Industrial and Cultural Legacy Spanning Centuries

Fábrica do Inglês has deep roots in the industrial and cultural history of the Algarve. It was established in 1867, when it was built as a cork processing facility, one of the most important industries for the Algarve’s economy in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In 1908, Victor Sadler, a British citizen, was hired to manage the factory, becoming forever associated with its identity and the origin of the name “Fábrica do Inglês” (The Englishman’s Factory).

Following the end of industrial activity, the complex was restored and reopened in 1999 as the Cork Museum, becoming a national reference for heritage preservation and cultural tourism. Over the years, it hosted concerts, exhibitions and artistic events, strengthening its role as a cultural landmark.

Today, Carvoeiro Branco’s project aims to honour this remarkable heritage through a sensitive urban regeneration process that enhances the architectural and cultural value of the site while adapting it to the needs of contemporary life.