If you’ve ever passed through Vila Fátima, in Guarulhos, you’ve probably noticed a large empty building that stands out from the landscape. Planned to be the largest shopping complex in the city, the former Shopping Center Guarulhos never fulfilled its function and has been abandoned for over 30 years, becoming a point of curiosity and concern for local residents.
Initially, the development promised to transform local commerce and generate up to 4,000 jobs. However, legal obstacles turned it into one of Guarulhos’ biggest “white elephants”, whose future remains uncertain after years of debate between politicians, businesspeople and residents.
Abandoned property was supposed to be Guarulhos’ largest shopping mall
Shopping Center Guarulhos promised to revolutionize the metropolitan region of São Paulo: 130,000 square meters, with an investment of R$110 million. The initial project, dating back to the 1990s, planned more than 400 stores, a food court, cinemas with a capacity for 2,000 people and a 20-storey business tower. Traders and residents dreamed of the mall opening, which would bring investment and improvements to Vila Fátima.
The dream, however, never came true. Environmental irregularities and debts owed by the owners led to the work being shut down by the courts, leaving the development abandoned in the middle of Greater São Paulo. Over the years, the space deteriorated and fell into decay, changing the fate of the region.
No prospect for the future
In 2009, the Sá Cavalcante Group took over ownership of the abandoned shopping mall in Vila Fátima and sought to regularize the development. The city council validated the new project and ensured that it complied with the legislation, authorizing the resumption of work. This gave the residents new hope, but it was soon dashed: the courts once again embargoed construction, citing environmental irregularities.
Today, what was supposed to be Guarulhos’ largest shopping mall is completely dilapidated: broken windows, graffitied walls and vegetation taking over the structure. Local residents claim that Shopping Center Guarulhos has become a point for drug use and other illegal activities, causing insecurity in the area.
The YouTube channel Vitão 013 filmed at the site, showing what the interior looks like today: