Oeiras International School has acquired the former AstraZeneca offices in Barcarena, Oeiras, where it will develop its new campus. The property, which was occupied by AstraZeneca for over 25 years, was sold with advisory support from Dils. The sale price has not been disclosed.
The asset, located in the Barcarena Industrial Park, has a gross floor area of approximately 4,300 sqm on a plot of land of approximately 13,000 sqm. The building was constructed in 1999 and underwent a complete refurbishment completed in 2022. Spread over two above-ground floors and a technical floor in a semi-basement, it features outdoor parking, a canteen with a fully equipped industrial kitchen, a warehouse with a loading bay, and abundant natural light. In terms of energy efficiency, it has solar panelsinstalled and a water well.
Dils’ Special Situations team assessed the asset’s potential beyond its original use, exploring alternative typologies and applications. “This analysis, based on the size of the plot, the building’s layout and the urban setting, enabled us to identify opportunities in alternative sectors, such as education, healthcare, senior living and light industry, broadening the range of interested parties and leading to a solution better aligned with the asset’s true value,” the company explained in a statement.
The property was ultimately acquired by Oeiras International School, which was seeking a new space to develop its educational project and considered it suitable not only in terms of the building’s layout, but also in terms of the plot size and natural surroundings.
“We realised early on that the property had significantly greater potential than a conventional office building. We embraced the challenge of looking beyond its existing use and worked on a strategy focused on alternative applications, which quickly generated strong interest, particularly in the education sector. This transaction demonstrates the importance of a creative, repositioning-oriented approach, enabling us to maximise value for the client and find the right outcome for the asset,” said Gonçalo Santos, Head of Development, Living & Capital Solutions at Dils.
Scheduled to open for the 2026/27 academic year, the new campus will be dedicated exclusively to the senior years of the academic programme. The facility will enable the school to enhance its educational offering, whilst maintaining its small class teaching model, and will feature extensive outdoor areas and a strong sustainable component, with solutions that promote energy efficiency and a connection to nature.
According to Robert Tomalin, Principal at Oeiras International School, “this new campus reflects the school’s evolution over the last 15 years. Whilst the Quinta Campus will continue to offer a more intimate and welcoming environment, particularly suited to younger students, this new space, also connected to nature and with a more open setting, is particularly well suited to supporting older students at a stage of greater independence, academic rigour and preparation for university and professional life. It is a matter of evolving with purpose, whilst always maintaining the essence of our school.”
