Naples: Construction of the new 14.500-seat multipurpose arena in Poggioreale has been approved.

Naples is launching the redevelopment of Poggioreale with AreNapoli, a large multipurpose facility designed to host sporting and musical events. The city administration, acting on a proposal from Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, has approved project financing for the construction and operation of the new arena on the site of the former Poggioreale Municipal Fruit and Vegetable Market.

The overall value of the project is around 84 million euros, financed entirely by the private sector, with the free concession of the surface rights for 63 years: at the end of this phase, ownership will return to the Municipality.

The planned process involves a decision-making Conference of Services to approve the technical and economic feasibility project, adopt the required urban planning amendment, and subsequently issue a tender to award the contract for construction and management of the facility. The project, defined as a high-level sports and cultural center, envisions a main facility capable of seating approximately 10.000 spectators for sporting events and up to 14.500 for musical performances.

In addition to the arena, additional spaces of high functional value are planned: a training gym of approximately 1.100 square meters, a two-level fitness gym of over 2.000 square meters, and a sport climbing center.

The complex will be surrounded by approximately 30.000 square meters of public greenery, with a 1,3-kilometer perimeter linear park and an equipped area including an auditorium for open-air concerts, a playground, a skate park, and a multi-purpose field.

The proposal also includes cultural and commercial spaces: a Literary Café, inclusive workshops covering approximately 600 square meters, and over 4.700 square meters of retail and restaurant space. Internal mobility includes over 790 parking spaces, with level parking and the possibility of expanding the parking spaces in the Business District, as well as dedicated areas for buses and mopeds.

The project has been defined as zero-impact and carbon-neutral, aiming to redevelop the Poggioreale area and the Business Center and decentralize the management of major events. AreNapoli Srl, the proponent, will be governed by a company owned 70% by Italstage Srl and 30% by Graded Spa.

According to Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, this multipurpose arena will attract numerous sporting and musical events and boost the area's redevelopment, offering a virtuous example of public-private collaboration aimed at the city's growth. The next steps include a decision-making Services Conference, the adoption of the necessary urban planning amendment, and, subsequently, a tender for the construction and management of the facility.