[2] By 1937 however, there were already complaints that demand exceeded the capacity of the complex, and the first plans to construct a grand, modern events hall were begun by architect José Porto.

The following year, Cassiano Branco assumed the position of principal architect for the new project, with the assistance of Júlio de Brito.

[2] However, since he was connected to the Companhia de Seguros Garantia, proprietor of the Garden-hall Passos Manuel (later the Coliseu), Brito continued his association with the project.

[2] In 1995, the Empresa Artística, SA/Grupo Aliança-UAP, sold the coliseum to IURD, the Brazilian Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (on 5 October).

[2] Various artist and institutions such as the municipal council, civil governor and public, reacted unanimously against the announced end of the coliseum.

[2] This move resulted in the establishment of the Associação "Amigos do Coliseu do Porto", who helped stop its sale and protect the building.

[2] On 28 September 1996, a public deed for the purchase of the coliseum by the municipal council, which included the cinema Passos Manuel, the Garden-hall, attic hall and a lithography for 680,000 contos.

[2] This process had advanced little in the intermittent years, so that by 12 September 2005, there was a proposal by the DRPorto to classify the building as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).