by InTrieste
On Monday, January 27, the city of Trieste hosted a significant conference titled “Porto Vecchio, Ideas to Achieve the Goal,” focusing on the future revitalization of Porto Vecchio and the surrounding area. The event, held at the Sala Piccola Fenice, brought together experts from various fields to discuss the ongoing transformation of Porto Vecchio into a dynamic, mixed-use space.
The conference, organized by LC-Luoghi Comuni, featured a series of presentations exploring the potential of Porto Vecchio to become a hub for innovation, research, and community engagement. The discussions centered on how the redevelopment project could maximize public interest while attracting private investment.
Among the key topics discussed was the emphasis on creating a holistic and inclusive development plan that not only revitalizes the area but also integrates it back into the daily life of the city. The proposal envisions a multi-generational space for students, scientists, and local residents, offering a range of amenities that would appeal to all age groups.
“We are aiming to create a space that meets the needs of young people, adults, and the elderly, offering a place for everyone to engage with the city,” said Michele Balbi, an entrepreneur involved in the project. “This is not just about development; it’s about creating a community.”
One of the highlights of the event was the conversation around public-private partnerships. The city’s approach has been to foster collaboration with private investors through a carefully structured tendering process, with the aim of speeding up development while ensuring the project meets the needs of Trieste’s citizens. This approach is expected to attract significant investments, with the project estimated to bring in 630 million euros.
“The collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial for this project’s success,” said Laura Famulari, Vice President of the Trieste City Council. “It’s about ensuring that we meet the economic and social needs of the city while maintaining transparency and inclusion.”
Among the main speakers were Walter Toniati, former public official and expert in urban development, and Roberto Cosolini, regional councillor. The event also featured contributions from Alessio Fornasin, a professor of Demography at the University of Udine, and Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste.
Roberto Di Lenarda stressed the importance of the redevelopment for Trieste’s academic and research communities, highlighting that “Porto Vecchio will become a focal point for scientific and technological collaboration.”
The project is also seen as an opportunity to breathe new life into the waterfront area, which has long been underutilized. “Instead of simply auctioning off the warehouses, we are creating a long-term vision that will add value to the city both economically and culturally,” said Toniati.
As discussions continue, the Porto Vecchio redevelopment project remains a central topic in Trieste’s plans for the future, offering a vision of a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city. The initiative is seen as a model for how public-private partnerships can drive urban transformation while ensuring the involvement of local communities.
