by InTrieste
At a press conference that began as a discussion about the future of the historic Porto Vecchio district, Antonio Paoletti, president of Confcommercio, managed to secure a handshake agreement with Mayor Roberto Dipiazza. Starting next week, the piazza of the former Tripcovich Hall will be converted into a temporary parking lot with 100 spaces, designed to ease access to downtown shops for holiday shoppers.
The exchange, which came as a surprise conclusion to the event, underscored the practical challenges of balancing urban redevelopment with immediate economic needs. “This small gesture is a step toward supporting local businesses during the busy holiday season,” Paoletti told InTrieste.
The press conference, however, had a broader focus: presenting survey results from merchants and industrialists on their vision for Porto Vecchio, a 66-hectare expanse of waterfront that has long awaited redevelopment. The results reflect a strong preference for transforming the area into a hub of modernity and elegance—what some have called a “city of dreams.”
A Vision for Porto Vecchio
Economic leaders envision a future marked by startups, luxury retail, and marinas for pleasure boats, rejecting heavy industry, large shopping malls, and material storage facilities. “This is an opportunity to create a vibrant, thriving district that will attract residents and visitors alike,” said Paoletti.
Everest Bertoli, Councilor for Financial Policies, emphasized the need for careful planning to avoid over-commercialization. “We need to strike a balance between preserving the unique character of Trieste and embracing its potential for modern development,” Bertoli said in an interview.
The mayor, Roberto Dipiazza, echoed this sentiment, describing Porto Vecchio as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Trieste. “Our aim is to create a space that reflects the city’s historical identity while projecting it into the future,” he said.
The Forgotten Debate
The conversation marks a stark contrast to the contentious debates in the City Council just a month ago, where plans for the redevelopment of Porto Vecchio sparked heated disagreements. Yet, those tensions seemed far from the minds of the gathered officials, who focused instead on shared aspirations for the district.
As Trieste moves forward with its plans, the temporary parking lot at the Tripcovich Hall will be a small but symbolic step, demonstrating the city’s commitment to supporting local commerce while crafting its long-term future.
For now, Porto Vecchio remains a blank canvas—but one increasingly painted with visions of innovation, luxury, and sustainability.
Interview: Antonio Paoletti, president of Confcommercio; Everest Bertoli, Councillor for Financial Policies; Trieste’ mayor, Roberto Dipiazza
