A former tomato canning factory in Naples, the Cirio, was turned into an innovation hub that is connected with the University of Naples Federico II. Public transport to the suburb was improved with the extension of a train line to the university’s San Giovanni campus. The newly transformed industrial area now serves as a meeting point for locals in this part of Naples.
Old tomato canning factory in Naples turned into innovation hub
- 29 January 2020
The enhancement of human capital and talent is a central element for the redevelopment of the territory in an innovative way.
The partly EU-funded urban redevelopment project in San Giovanni a Teduccio, an eastern suburb of Naples, led to a concentration of local businesses and high-tech companies that benefit from the university’s laboratories and well-equipped classrooms. Thanks to the better public transport, links to both the city centre and other parts of the Campania region have improved and the university campus has become more easily accessible.
The area around the campus has become a meeting point due to a number of restaurants and stores located there. With unemployment a big issue in the suburb, the project directly employed some 300 people throughout its duration of just over a year. It was completed in February 2018.
Former Naples industrial zone buzzing with activity
The San Giovanni a Teduccio was previously known for its successful tomato canning industry. However, since the decline of the food processing factory in the 1970’s, the buildings have stood empty for over 30 years. Since then, the region has invested in the redevelopment of these industrial areas. Leading international companies, including large IT and network firms, have joined in. The ensuing investments have brought technology transfers and training opportunities. It also houses a branch of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, the National Research Council of Italy.
The San Giovanni Hub covers some 200 000 square metres. Care was taken to preserve the architectural history of the old factory buildings. There are labs, multifunctional rooms and auditoriums on the premises, and an adjacent park.
Old factory faces future as innovative ecosystem
The university plans to expand with plans for a new science park in the area. The new innovation and technology hall would host research facilities and technology transfer programmes. The aim is to create an innovative ecosystem that will result in new inventions and ensure include the local population.The ‘San Giovanni Hub’ project was supported by the OPs Campania 2007-2013 and 2014-2020.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “San Giovanni Hub” is EUR 60 852 567, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 45 639 425 through the Regional Operational Programme for Campania, ROP Campania, for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Jobs, Growth and Investment”.