by InTrieste
As part of a broader strategy to revitalize urban life and boost commercial activity, the city of Trieste will install new model “Trieste” benches in nine selected areas of the city. The initiative is one component of the “Vivi Trieste” Commercial District, a project supported by regional development funding from Friuli Venezia Giulia under the 2021 “SviluppoImpresa” law.
The new benches will be placed in what the city has designated as the “Pilot Area,” a focused section of the district identified in collaboration with key stakeholders, including Confcommercio, the Trieste Chamber of Commerce, URES, and the University of Trieste. The goal is to enhance the appeal of these areas, encourage foot traffic, and ultimately support both neighborhood life and local businesses.
The project is part of a wider package of measures under the Commercial District framework, which also includes infrastructure upgrades such as broadband expansion, sustainable mobility solutions like bike stations, public events, and grants for local businesses.
Trieste’s push for urban renewal comes amid a long-term decline in retail activity. According to data from Confcommercio’s “Observatory on Business Demographics in Italian Cities and Historic Centers,” the number of retail establishments in Trieste fell by 545 between 2012 and mid-2022, decreasing from 1,887 to 1,342. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to e-commerce and digitalization, it also underscored the importance of public spaces and neighborhood services.
By reinvesting in shared urban environments and encouraging physical presence in city spaces, officials hope to support the city’s commercial fabric and foster renewed social interaction.
