NAPLES – The relaunch of the Centro Direzionale passa attraverso un’infrastruttura strategica per la città, un Palaeventi: lo ha dichiarato il sindaco di Napoli, Cajetan Manfredi, speaking in the chamber today.
"Naples needs a Palaeventi, a structure of public interest that is currently lacking. This lack has excluded us from the possibility of hosting major events such as the 2026 European Volleyball Championships or the ATP tennis tournaments", explained the mayor. Manfredi highlighted how for large concerts it is necessary to use Piazza del Plebiscito, with significant inconvenience for traffic and residents.
The area identified for the construction of the arena, the mayor underlined, is in a state of degradation: “Prostitution, fires and neglect characterize this area. It is a shame to have such an area in the heart of the city.” The construction of the sports hall and the overall redevelopment of the Centro Direzionale, he added, will help reverse the collapse in property values in the area, which has already been the subject of protests by residents and merchants.
Manfredi recalled that in the last 25 years no investor has shown interest in that area, and that a previous attempt ended with a transaction that resulted in compensation for the Municipality of 14 million euros. However, the mayor stressed that the resolution under discussion represents “the starting point” for a project that safeguards the public interest. “We don't give anything to anyone”, he precised.
Concluding his speech, Manfredi launched an appeal for unity in the chamber: "In respect of political positions, I ask for maximum cohesion. There is my personal commitment to examine every detail of the next steps, but now is the time to give a clear signal: let's start this journey with willingness and without prejudice".
Article published on 14 January 2025 - 17:55
