And yet it moves: for the Massimo cinema, a historic hall in the historic center of L’Aquila, important steps forward towards recovery
The Municipality has entrusted the verification of the definitive project of the works of the second lot, while the first lot (the safety measures) has already been closed years ago, in 2018.
Over time there have been various problems and slowdowns. The situation was resolved in 2023, with the assignment of the design for the recovery of the building. The history of the Massimo cinema is one of many, long and complex, of the post-earthquake years.
After the earthquake, the building was exclusively subject to consolidation works (the first lot) aimed at making it safe since it overlooks Corso Federico II and is also close to some homes.
The resources for the recovery of the Cinema are CIPE funds, over 4 million euros. In 2022, planning aside, new structural investigations were requested and the problem of the sewage spill in the adjacent room in via S. Agostino had to be resolved.
The Superintendency then also asked for additions with a joint inspection dating back to last year. The services conference said yes, but the final project delivered has an economic framework greater than the sums available to the administration.
While waiting for new resources, the process for the consolidation and recovery of the building has begun, acquiring in the meantime a definitive project of the first section where the structural works, the building works (in part) and the plant engineering works (only those strictly connected with the construction and structural works. Now a company from Rome will have the task of verifying the project for which the Municipality is the contracting authority.
The Massimo cinema, in the heart of the city, is another cultural space that it hurts to see still closed, a symbolic place for generations and generations of L’Aquila people. A cozy cinema, very different from modern multiplexes.
The space will still be used as a cinema, but will have to take into account some requirements: no longer a single room, but four.
The historic hall with approximately 350 seats will be renovated, another two with 72 seats each will be used for film screenings. One with 64 seats will instead be used for theatrical performances and other types of shows.
