by InTrieste
The city of Trieste is gearing up for a transformative redevelopment of its historic Old Port, a project that will unfold over nearly a decade with an estimated cost exceeding €600 million ($660 million).
Spearheaded by Bergamo-based real estate developer Costim, the ambitious plan aims to revitalize 19 hangars and warehouses, rejuvenate three kilometers of waterfront, and introduce a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces. However, the project has sparked concerns over transparency and the lack of public consultation.
Costim’s proposal, which includes restoring or reconstructing historic port structures and creating a “smart human district” with mixed-use buildings, also envisions public amenities such as a beach, sports facilities, and a wellness center. The developer will manage the area under a 50-year concession agreement, paying an annual fee to the municipality and the state. The project, which earmarks €458 million for building renovations alone, also plans to construct two marinas and a district heating plant.
As the project advances, with local districts III and IV required to provide their non-binding opinions by September 2, a heated debate has emerged over the absence of public engagement in the planning process. Critics contend that the city should have initiated a public consultation, as required by Italy’s public procurement code for projects of this magnitude.
“The appropriate course of action would have been to apply the public debate provision, enabling a shared and participatory process,” said Tommaso Vaccarezza, a local leader in District IV, in comments to Il Piccolo, a local newspaper. “This is a significant public asset, and it is essential that the citizens’ voices be included.”
Paolo Altin, a representative of the civic group Punto Franco, also voiced his concerns to Il Piccolo, criticizing the city administration for what he described as “a lack of transparency” in managing the project. “Of all the documents related to this initiative, only a brief 18-page report was provided to the local councils,” Altin remarked. “We believe that confidentiality should be replaced with transparency and open sharing with political forces and the public.”
City officials have defended their approach, emphasizing that many documents are confidential because they are part of the tender process. “The documents have been made available in accordance with legal requirements,” said Everest Bertoli, the city councilor responsible for the project. “While we are committed to transparency, many of the attachments are integral to the tender and must remain confidential for now.”
Despite these assurances, the debate over transparency is expected to escalate as the project moves forward. The City Council is set to discuss the proposal later this year, a crucial step before the official tender is launched between December and February.
As Trieste embarks on what could be a defining chapter in its urban development, the balance between private investment and public interest will be under close scrutiny. The project, once completed, promises to reshape the city’s waterfront and redefine its relationship with the sea. Yet, the journey to this new future is already proving to be as complex and contentious as the city’s storied past.
