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Genoa, competition to get the old fish market and the youth hostel

16 March, Il Giornale

The old fish market building is not for sale, and neither the Youth Hostel is. Has the administration of Genoa changed its mind? “No, we’ve actually included these two properties in the list of properties to sell or to enhance – explains Mario Baroni, the Councillor delegated for the promotion of public buildings – and for what concerns these two buildings, the objective is to enhance them”.

The experts at the City of Genoa have been working lately on the evaluation of proposals concerning these two properties. “Yes, there are some projects, and they’re very interesting – explains the Councillor – I would say that for what concerns the fish market, we’re avoiding proposals for commercial spaces such as supermarkets, but at the same time we would like to give the property to someone able to grant us a fair economic return. Nowadays, it’s not possible to think that a city administration would give away a property, perhaps even funding the renovation works, and renting the space at a 90% discount. That would mean using public resources not properly”.

As a result, one of the possible solutions for the old fish market might be the conversion into a cultural space, or a hotel, or even a luxury spa. In the meanwhile, also the youth hostel is about to go through a restyling. The Municipality will publish soon a tender to implement a modern facility in its place, with a maximum of 4 beds per dorm and not the current 8, featuring modern services, targeting not only youths.

Another youth hostel might rise in the former building Tabarca, in the Darsena area, which might become a student house. While the Righi youth hostel has a capacity of 187 beds, this hostel might accommodate 250 beds, to be implemented according to the latest standards.

Whereas Casa del Soldato (House of the Soldier) is a different story, the building will be converted into a service centre for the neighbourhood.

“We have many assets for revitalise, by selling them or by transferring them to private companies or associations that are can provide useful services to the community – explains Baroni – But one thing has to be clear: we cannot afford anymore to rent properties at ridiculous prices, at 90% discount, as it was common practice for the previous administration. I don’t think it’s fair that a private association is entitled to a 90% discount on a public property. We’re open to evaluate case by case, and grant a 40%-50% discount, but certainly not 90%. Assets must be responsibly managed, in respect of the community”.

Source: Il Giornale

Translator: Cristina Ambrosi