What does the redevelopment of Manifattura Tabacchi represent for the city?
It’s one of the most significant urban regeneration interventions in recent years, opening up Florence to the contemporary. The ambitious redevelopment project is leading us to recuperate a mix of functions, bit by bit. The historic industrial area consists of 16 buildings, totalling about 110,000 square metres. The centre outside the centre, as we call it, will become the basis of an innovative city district in the name of sustainable creativity, transforming an abandoned area into a community hub that will be open to everyone 365 days a year, with connections and sustainability at the centre of the activities relating to education, culture, art, and contemporary craftsmanship, all of which will represent new opportunities for the city.
What have been some of the project’s biggest achievements to date?
The activities organized in the buildings and in the squares have elicited great interest and participation from a very wide audience, ranging from families with young children through to tourists, helping to boost vitality in the complex in the implementation phase of the recovery plan. The “Firenze Prossima” survey that we addressed to citizens revealed that the recovery – although still partial – of this important example of Nervi architecture is one of the most appreciated redevelopment actions so far by citizens. With the approval of the recovery plan, many activities will be expanded thanks to the community’s interest, including contemporary art, design, music, crafts, and entertainment for children.
What does the future look like for Manifattura Tabacchi?
The future is already underway because, in the second half of 2022, the first workspaces will be available in the Factory buildings, as a result of the recovery plan. The Factory is the beating heart of the Manifattura of tomorrow. It will become a cutting-edge creative and production centre that’s open to all and connected with the world. It’s a destination that’s capable of attracting the international community of professionals and creatives who want to live and work in Florence, in the sectors of culture, fashion, art, and crafts. There will be new coworking spaces for young professionals and start-ups, as well as spaces for teaching high-quality craftsmanship, artistic performances, craft workshops, 2D animation and welcoming the public, as well as strengthening the cultural offering with the continuation of temporary activities for another two years.
