by InTrieste
interview: Cristina Amirante, FVG Councilor for Infrastructure and Territory
The redevelopment of the Barcola harbor marks what regional officials describe as an initial step in a broader effort to regenerate Trieste’s coastline, with a focus on sustainability, design and public accessibility.
Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Territory Cristina Amirante said the project returns “a space of extraordinary value” to the city, transforming it into an orderly and welcoming area for residents and visitors. She emphasized the attention to materials, greenery and design quality as evidence of the region’s commitment not only to improving infrastructure, but also to enhancing the identity and beauty of public spaces.
The project, completed on March 25, is intended as a model for balancing environmental sustainability with urban renewal, strengthening Trieste’s historic relationship with the sea while creating new opportunities for public use.
From an administrative standpoint, the work was carried out by a consortium of local companies following a negotiated procedure. During construction, unforeseen elements — including underground utilities and previously undocumented concrete structures — required design adjustments, leading to a modest cost increase of 1.52 percent, or approximately €284,000, and a slight extension of the timeline.
Fabio Scoccimarro, the regional councillor for environmental protection, described the harbor as part of a broader strategy developed with the municipality under the CoRe project, aimed at gradually improving the Barcola waterfront through a series of smaller, coordinated interventions.
The redevelopment also included upgrades to public lighting, with the installation of low-height, modular systems designed to provide both functional illumination and adaptable lighting for events such as the Barcolana regatta. New concrete seating has been added along the waterfront, designed to accommodate visitors while discreetly integrating docking walkways, improving both the visual coherence and overall organization of the space.
