Transforming Piazza Garibaldi, one of the city's main landmarks, into a well-maintained, welcoming, and inclusive space through an innovative public-private co-management model. This is the goal of the "La Bella Piazza" project, presented today, which aims to redevelop and manage the square's public spaces through collaboration between the City of Naples, private entities, and local associations.
"A unique experiment is underway in Italy ," said Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi . "This initiative brings together the City Council and many private entities that are providing the necessary resources. Only through public-private collaboration is it possible to address the complexities of large cities, particularly in critical areas like those around major stations."
Manfredi also assured that the Piazza Garibaldi auditorium, where the project was presented, will be animated by cultural activities and become a new community center. "I'm confident this experiment will work, but the commitment of citizens is also needed ," he added.
The project does not simply involve the concession of spaces to private individuals, but a shared management based on co-design and the active participation of those who live, work or frequent the square. “La bella piazza” is supported by the Fondazione Con il Sud, which together with other organizations has mobilized about 40 local entities. These will take care of the maintenance of green spaces and sports areas, the organization of social, commercial and cultural initiatives, such as outdoor workshops and socio-educational animation, and the tourist promotion of the square.
Stefano Consiglio, president of the Con il Sud Foundation, explained: "We doubled the funds raised by the project's promoters, bringing the total investment to one million euros. We provided financial and planning support, assisting the promoters in their dialogue with the City Council." Consiglio emphasized that the project represents a new approach to addressing urban problems: "There's no buck-passing, but rather all parties are working together for the common good. Piazza Garibaldi, from a degraded area, will be transformed into a livable space, with services such as a social concierge and areas dedicated to children."
The agreement, signed today, will last four years, renewable for another four. The first step of the project was the reopening of one of the eight kiosks in the square, intended for the Dedalus cooperative for social activities. The others will open soon, including the municipal police kiosk.
On the security front, Naples Prefect Michele Di Bari emphasized that the project is possible thanks to improved security conditions in the area. "In recent months, we have activated a surveillance system both in the square and inside the station and in the surrounding areas. There is still much to do, but the path is clear, and residents are already perceiving the change ," Di Bari concluded.
Chronicles of Campania
Naples: Police raid Piazza Garibaldi: 4 arrests and 34 illegal immigrants identified.
An extraordinary operation with approximately 200 State Police officers working in Piazza Garibaldi, the Vasto district, and surrounding areas.
