EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Venice Arsenal

Venice Arsenal - Venezia, IT.

Introduction

Regeneration of a significant area in the heart of Venice from technological and urban restructuring point of view.

Problem

The construction of the Thetis technological centre on the site of the Venice Arsenal is an example of functionally reclaiming an ancient industrial area in the heart of the city.

Description

The idea behind the Thetis initiative, taken on board by Tecnomare and supervised by the Faculty of Architecture of Venice University, is about the re-use of the Arsenal, using the large complex as a site for setting up a marine technology centre.
The construction site was opened in January 1996, and work was finished just 14 months later, in March 1997, after which the centre was inaugurated.
The functional and productive reinstatement of a historic, monumental and highly significant area is a major undertaking, especially when the aim is to build a technological structure equipped with complex laboratories, systems and equipment.

Approach

The key factors of the initiative were:

the company's sense of determination, which stimulated the interest and the commitment of private companies and public bodies alike
the passionate support of local government agencies (Council and Region)
the financial support of the European Union, which endorsed the project as one of its Pilot Urban Projects
Thetis's immediate commencement of operational activities on the market.

Results

Restoration of three historic buildings in the Venice Arsenal complex.

The construction of the Thetis technological centre. The Centre is now self-financed, managed by the company Thetis SpA, a private shareholding company with capital currently standing at 12 billion Lira (approximately 6 million Euro). The company is a strong asset to the city, cooperating with other local, national and international advanced technology companies and Universities.
Jobs have been created both directly and indirectly by the project. An average of 20 people were employed over the four year lifetime of the pilot project. Currently, total employment in the Centre stands at 35 permanent posts and an average around 10 students / trainees from various national and international universities for Sciences.
One of the initial aims of the project was to trigger a wider process of reclaiming disused land and property in the Arsenal area. By drawing public authorities' and local actors' attention to the district, the project has acted as a catalyst to development in the surrounding area.

Resources used

The project was submitted to the European Union in 1992 by the Veneto Region, and was awarded co-funding by DG XVI, within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund, for 40 percent of the estimated cost of 10 million ECU. By qualifying as one of the 32 European Urban Pilot Projects, the development project was thus also awarded a financial contribution from the Veneto Region and the Municipality of Venice, for a further 25 percent of the cost. The remaining 35 percent of the estimated cost was covered by Thetis.

Project start date

01/01/1991

Links

City of Venice

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Urban environment > Urban renewal

Keywords

Waterside development, Urban restructuring

Institutional characteristics
National Government