An intervention of around 8 million euros intended for the urban redevelopment of the popular neighborhood of Sappusi. We explain what the project involves
TO Marsalathanks to urban regeneration interventions, the popular neighborhood of Let me know it will change its face.
A necessary operation, which generates great expectations not only among those who live there, which will begin with the recovery of the former “Lombardo Radice” elementary school, thanks to a intervention of approximately 8 million euros – Pnrr funds – intended for the redevelopment of the area in which the former school structure is located.
The recovery of the existing volume, in fact, will allow the construction of two buildings for a total of 16 residential units of the terraced house type. The objective of the Municipal Administration is to increase the availability of social housing and housing services for vulnerable categories, improving the overall functionality of the popular district.
In the area there is also the Salinella Park: a site with strong historical and naturalistic connotations, between the Sappusi district and Punta d’Alga, in the northern area of the city.
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It is an area of over 10 hectares dominated by a hill located in the center of the Park, which constitutes – from a landscape and panoramic point of view – one of the most evocative Mediterranean coastal stretches.
In the stretch of sea in front there are the remains ofancient port dating back to Roman times and what remains of the Spanish barrier, built to stem the attacks of Saracen pirates.
It is an extraordinary investment that was already announced last year for the start of works in February 2024 and which, in restoring decorum to the populous neighbourhood, fits into the urban regeneration program already started in two other ‘popular’ areas, namely Via Istria and Amabilina.
In recent weeks it has been discussed during the second stage of the “Città in Scena” Festival in Syracuse, an event that highlights the many initiatives aimed at valorising and describing the strong planning capacity of Italian cities, in particular intermediate ones, which they are contributing to the sustainable transformation of our country.
And confirmation came from Syracuse that the project of the Municipality of Marsala will be presented in Rome in December 2024, during the final national stage of the Festival of the same name.
«The redevelopment of the Salinella Park and the nearby Sappusi district – declared the mayor Massimo Grillo – represents a significant step towards improving the quality of life in an area rich in history, archeology and natural beauty.
In practice, the decades-long degradation of the area is counteracted with targeted interventions rationalization of spacesrecovery of existing paths and creation of new routes. Furthermore, a wooden amphitheater perfectly integrated with the surrounding environment, intended for cultural and economic activities”.
Another fundamental element of this project is also the redevelopment of the former elementary school “Lombardo Radice”, which will be transformed into social housing, saving another area from abandonment.
These are actions that will improve the accessibility and safety of the neighborhood, helping to create a more welcoming and livable environment for everyone. The popular neighborhood has always been the subject of attention due to the strong critical issues that characterize it and the inhabitants have often requested interventions to protect them.
Furthermore, it is the residents themselves who highlight that in order to truly transform the face of the area it is of fundamental importance to proceed with the demolition works of the former Lombardo Radice school, also calling for an increase in benchesof the meeting places as well as major works for urban decoration.
Things that would contribute to improving the quality of life of those who live there and giving new life and hope to the neighborhood.
Mayor Grillo claims that in Rome the administration will also have the opportunity to reaffirm that the recovery of popular neighborhoods not only transforms physical spaces, but above all the lives of the people who live there, helping to create more resilient and prosperous communities.
In particular, the mayor says that the planned interventions aim to reduce situations of marginalization and social degradation, but also to promote the availability of more accessible homes and to encourage urban and territorial regeneration.
“The Sappusi neighborhoodIn fact, in addition to being one of the main entrance gates to the city, it is also one of the most inhabited popular neighborhoods where the social policy offices, social centers and numerous schools of all levels are located.
The redevelopment project of the Salinella Park and the surrounding areas of the neighborhood, therefore, represents a significant step towards improving the quality of life which is an important investment financed by the PNRR, with a significant budget.
The Salinella Park is a place rich in history, archeology and natural beauty. However, over the years – he adds – it has suffered progressive degradation which has compromised its usability and its value for the community.
With this project, we intend to trigger a redevelopment process that concerns both the urban layout of the park and its nature, with targeted interventions to rationalize spaces, recover existing paths and create new routes. Furthermore, we plan to build a wooden amphitheater perfectly integrated with the surrounding environment, which will be used for cultural and economic events and activities.”
The project also includes the pavement resurfacingthe installation of new public lighting and the adaptation of the sewerage network, and pays attention to environmental sustainability, with the aim of obtaining positive loads on the soil and almost zero energy loads.
«This means using materials and technologies that promote soil permeability and self-production of energy – concludes Mayor Grillo – thus reducing the environmental impact of our actions. I would also like to underline the importance of public-private partnership in this project. Thanks to the collaboration between public and private bodies, we are able to carry out larger interventions and maximize the positive impact on the territory.”
The administration focuses heavily on urban regeneration as a push to also promote social inclusion, encouraging cohesion and solidarity among residents, offering opportunities for active participation of citizens, strengthening the sense of belonging and responsibility towards one’s neighborhood.
This is an urban redevelopment that has been hoped for for some time, which in the most optimistic expectations could promote local economic development, creating new job opportunities and stimulating entrepreneurial activity.
The shared desire of the city and its citizens is that the entire territory, by fully seizing the opportunities linked to the PNRR and other European funds, with particular attention to the sustainable development objectives of Agenda 2030, can be ready to face future challenges, placing the working-class neighborhoods at the centre.
