Praia Grande development projects are picking up speed in a way that is hard to ignore. This beachside city in São Paulo is no stranger to growth, but with two massive initiatives underway, it is stepping into a whole new era. These large-scale plans include the upcoming Vilamar Shopping complex in Mirim and an impressive 500-meter-long pier in Aviação. Both are expected to redefine not only the city’s skyline but also its economic and cultural footprint.
With delivery dates targeting 2027, these Praia Grande development projects are positioned to transform the area into a major tourism and business destination. The Vilamar Shopping center will bring over 300 new stores, entertainment, and a hospital annex, while the Aviação Pier will blend culture, history, and leisure in one remarkable space. Below, we break down exactly what these projects involve, why they matter, and how they will reshape life in Praia Grande.
Praia Grande development projects
What is exciting about these Praia Grande development projects is not just their size but what they represent for the future of the city. This is more than new construction. It is about building a foundation for economic development, tourism, and community growth. The Vilamar Shopping center will stand as the largest retail hub in the Baixada Santista region. In parallel, the Aviação Pier will be a symbol of local history and a powerful new draw for visitors.
These two projects show that Praia Grande is thinking big. They bring a blend of business opportunities, job creation, and tourist experiences all in one. With hundreds of shops, cinema screens, museum attractions, and large-scale infrastructure, the city is actively designing a space where locals can thrive and visitors will want to return. This kind of forward planning is what sets Praia Grande apart in 2026.
Overview Table
| Project Name | Details |
| Project 1 Name | Vilamar Shopping |
| Location | Mirim, Avenida Presidente Kennedy near City Hall |
| Total Area | 160,000 square meters |
| Leasable Commercial Space | Around 42,000 square meters |
| Number of Stores | More than 300 shops |
| Key Features | Food court for 1,500 people, 6 cinemas, hospital annex |
| Developer | Grupo Mendes |
| Construction Timeline | Started in July 2025, completion by September 2027 |
| Estimated Job Creation | 1,500 during construction, up to 4,000 after opening |
| Economic Goal | Strengthen tourism, retail economy, and community infrastructure |
Vilamar Shopping to Become a Landmark in the Region
Vilamar Shopping is not just another mall. It is being designed to become the most significant retail and lifestyle hub in the entire Baixada Santista region. The numbers speak for themselves. With a 160,000 square meter footprint and over 300 stores, the complex is set to transform the Mirim neighborhood. Add in a massive food court, multiple movie theaters, and even a hospital annex from Prevent Senior, and you begin to understand the scale of the vision.
This project is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs once operational, providing opportunities for retail workers, health professionals, logistics teams, and customer service staff. It is not only about shopping. It is about building an ecosystem where people can work, eat, get medical care, and enjoy entertainment—all in one place. This is why the Vilamar Shopping center is one of the most significant Praia Grande development projects currently underway.
Aviação Pier: Blending History, Leisure, and Culture
The new pier planned for Aviação is a different kind of project. While Vilamar is all about commerce and convenience, this pier is centered around experience, memory, and community pride. Stretching 500 meters into the ocean and 35 meters wide, it is more than a walkway. It is an immersive public space that will include a unique aeronautical museum.
One of the standout attractions at the museum will be a replica of the aircraft featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. Another highlight is the dedicated section for Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, who has historical ties to the city. The pier will also offer practical features like a large parking lot 80 meters away, with 600 spaces to serve locals and tourists. Built through a public concession, this part of the Praia Grande development projects has a tender expected in April 2026, with construction scheduled to start later that year.
Economic and Social Impact
The economic ripple effect from these developments is already being felt. Thousands of jobs are being created, both in the construction phase and once operations begin. Vilamar Shopping alone is expected to provide jobs for at least 1,500 people during construction and up to 4,000 after launch. The pier project is forecasted to generate about 2,000 construction jobs and around 3,000 once it opens to the public.
Beyond jobs, these Praia Grande development projects will help bring long-term benefits such as increased tax revenue, new business opportunities for local vendors, and better city services through public-private partnerships. Tourism will get a major boost as more people come to experience the new attractions, creating a cycle of investment and growth.
What Makes These Projects Stand Out?
- Location and Scale: Strategically placed and built on a grand scale, both developments are positioned to serve thousands of people daily.
- Multi-Use Experience: From shopping and dining to learning about aviation history, these projects are not one-dimensional. They are designed for everyone.
Boosting Tourism Through Infrastructure
Praia Grande has long been a popular beach destination, but with these new projects, it is raising the bar. The combination of commercial development and cultural investment sends a clear message: the city wants to offer more than just sand and sea. These Praia Grande development projects are shaping a modern, more dynamic version of the city where people do not just visit but stay longer, spend more, and come back year after year.
Tourism in 2026 is about experiences. With features like a Bond movie plane replica and themed museum spaces, the Aviação Pier fits perfectly into that trend. At the same time, Vilamar Shopping offers the kind of convenience and scale that attracts both shoppers and business tenants from across the region.
FAQs
1. When will Vilamar Shopping open to the public?
Vilamar Shopping is expected to open in September 2027, with construction having started in mid-2025.
2. What attractions will be at the Aviação Pier?
The pier will include an aeronautical museum, movie-inspired aircraft replicas, and a dedicated space for Saint-Exupéry.
3. How many stores will Vilamar Shopping have?
There will be more than 300 stores, with around 42,000 square meters of leasable space.
4. Who is behind the development of Vilamar Shopping?
Grupo Mendes is the developer leading the Vilamar Shopping project.
5. What kind of parking will be available at the pier?
A parking lot with at least 600 spaces will be located just 80 meters from the pier entrance.