by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Sebastiano Callari, Councilor for State Property, General Services, and Administrative Simplification; Roberto Dipiazza, Mayor of Trieste
Trieste has taken the first formal step toward redeveloping one of its largest long-abandoned sites, with regional and local authorities signing an agreement that paves the way for the transformation of the former Caserma di Banne.
Regional councillor for State Property and Heritage Sebastiano Callari signed the memorandum on behalf of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, alongside Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and Alessio Casci, regional director of the State Property Agency. Under the agreement, a technical working group will be established within 30 days to begin planning the redevelopment.
The site, a 19th-century noble estate once owned by Giuseppe Burgstaller de Bidischini, was later converted into a military installation and has remained largely unused for more than 30 years.
The property spans 51 hectares, of which 17 hectares have been earmarked for redevelopment. The remaining 34 hectares of woodland will be preserved under environmental protection measures.
Regional officials said the project is intended to address several long-term priorities, including the shortage of affordable housing, the expansion of sports facilities, scientific research, digital innovation and environmental conservation.
Callari described the abandoned complex as a long-standing “wound” for Trieste, saying its redevelopment offers an opportunity to create a new strategic district linked to the city’s universities and research institutions while also providing social housing.
He added that cooperation between public authorities and private investors would be essential to ensuring the project is both innovative and economically sustainable.
The agreement marks the beginning of what is expected to be a long-term redevelopment process for one of Trieste’s most significant unused public properties.
