by InTrieste
A sweeping new urban regeneration project is set to transform Trieste’s historic Porto Vecchio, a once-thriving maritime hub now largely dormant, into a dynamic, mixed-use waterfront district. Detailed this week at an official presentation, the plan outlines a vision that blends residential, commercial, and public spaces with an emphasis on sustainability and community integration.
The ambitious project, proposed by the Costim Group, focuses on a 6-hectare area of the old port, encompassing the revitalization of 25 aging port warehouses. These structures, many of which have stood unused for decades, will be repurposed into residences, hotels, office spaces, and wellness centers, creating a lively district along the Adriatic Sea. At the heart of the redevelopment is the creation of “Porto Vivo” — or “Living Port” — a space designed to foster social, economic, and environmental renewal.
Central to the project is its sustainable infrastructure, including a district heating and cooling system powered by seawater. The proposal also includes bike paths, electric mobility options, and public spaces that prioritize green energy solutions and environmental certifications, such as LEED and WELL standards. The aim is to create an eco-conscious neighborhood that significantly reduces energy consumption while providing high standards of comfort for future residents and visitors.
The public portion of the plan envisions a three-kilometer stretch of waterfront development featuring a marina with 500 boat slips, extensive green spaces, and recreational facilities. Plans also include a new 5,000-square-meter beach, a wellness and spa center, a 300-bed student residence, and senior housing to accommodate an aging population. Multifamily residences, serviced apartments, and a 200-room hotel will contribute to the area’s residential and commercial growth.
A vital aspect of the redevelopment is the inclusion of spaces for community engagement, such as cultural incubators, educational facilities, and a sports city, which will host a range of athletic and wellness activities. The public infrastructure will be complemented by private investments, as the proposal allows for the acquisition and renovation of 19 municipal buildings to be used for residential, commercial, and research purposes.
For the city, the role will be one of oversight, ensuring timelines and costs are respected. “We’ve aimed for this from the start,” said Everest Bertoli, the municipal councillor for financial policies. “The role of the private sector is to invest and bring innovative companies to the area.” The plan will be voted on by the City Council, followed by a review at the Services Conference. According to estimates, it will go to tender by the spring of 2025, with construction possibly starting next year, and completion expected by 2035.
The result will be a new neighborhood that will reshape the face of the city, designed for all its citizens. “Some have told me, ‘Create a new Monte Carlo,’ but that’s not true — it’s for everyone,” emphasized Trieste’s mayor, Roberto Dipiazza.
While the administration presents the project as one for the entire city, three opposition members have criticized the process, stating that they were not allowed to attend the presentation on the eve of the commission meeting where the resolution will be discussed. They also raised concerns about delays in the disclosure of project documents.
Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with the first completed sections expected to open to the public by 2026-27, signaling the start of a new chapter for one of Italy’s most historic port cities.
Interviews: Municipal Project Financing Councillor Everest Bertoli; Giulio Bernetti, responsible for the project ‘Porto Vivo’
