Farewell to the Mergellina pier of shame: the Saint Tropez pier is being dismantled.

Naples – Demolition has begun on the Saint Tropez pier on Via Caracciolo in Mergellina, one of the most controversial structures on the Naples waterfront, which has lain abandoned and disrepair for over a decade. The start of dismantling operations marks a new phase for one of the most iconic stretches of the city's coastline, destined to rid itself of what over the years had been dubbed the "pier of shame."

Dismantling with pontoon crane

The operations are being entrusted to a specialized crane pontoon, which is working to remove the deteriorated poles and metal structures that stood just meters from the hydrofoil landing. This operation represents the final chapter in a long and complex process, marked by structural problems, risks to public safety, and a long series of administrative obstacles.

Over the years, the pier had been the subject of numerous complaints due to structural collapse and the dangers posed to young people who improperly used it to dive into the sea, with incidents that had even resulted in injuries. The matter had also come to the attention of the judiciary, with investigations, contested tenders, and litigation effectively halting any redevelopment project.

After the demolition a new pier

Once the demolition is completed, a new pier will be built, designed in accordance with current safety regulations and intended to restore full functionality to the waterfront area.

Borrelli: "Legality wins."

Francesco Emilio Borrelli, MP for the Green and Left Alliance, spoke about the start of the works. Borrelli, who has closely followed the matter over the years, along with Municipality I councilor Lorenzo Pascucci, spoke about the start of the works.

"Today we are witnessing the victory of perseverance and legality over resignation and degradation," Borrelli stated. "For over ten years, we have denounced the extremely dangerous conditions of the pier, the subsidence, and the critical issues related to the assignment procedures that have prevented a true redevelopment. Finally, this issue seems to have been resolved."

The parliamentarian then emphasized the symbolic value of the project: "Seeing the resources being deployed to eliminate this eyesore and restore the waterfront's beauty is a great source of satisfaction. Naples can no longer be held hostage by bureaucratic inertia and opaque management of public assets. We will continue to ensure that our sea is enhanced with transparent and safe interventions."

A new face for the seafront

The removal of the old pier is one of the most anticipated projects on the Mergellina waterfront. The demolition marks the conclusion of a matter that has fueled controversy and protests for years, now paving the way for the redevelopment of a strategic area of ​​the Neapolitan waterfront, with the aim of ensuring greater safety, decorum, and services for residents and visitors.