BASE Milano bids to expand with ambitious XL project

The City of Milan has launched a public tender (open until March 20) for the redevelopment and cultural management of portions of the former Ansaldo industrial complex in the Porta Genova district. The tender covers two areas: buildings 14 and 15 (approximately 1,825 sqm, currently used as storage) and buildings 12A, 13, 31, and 32 (about 12,000 sqm, currently home to BASE Milano until March 20, 2033). BASE Milano, through its operator OXA Srl Impresa Sociale, has submitted a proposal called BASE Milano XL, aiming to expand its footprint to a total of 15,200 sqm and extend its concession for 30 years (2025–2055). The proposal includes a €9 million investment for the renovation of new buildings and connections, plus €2.5 million for upgrades to existing BASE spaces. BASE Milano XL envisions a permanent cultural hub with new facilities: a monumental winter garden entrance, coworking and lab spaces with capped rates, a bookshop & bar, a modular performance space (inspired by Fondazione Prada), an exhibition space (inspired by Casa Encendida in Madrid), a sports area (inspired by Basketbar in Utrecht), and an urban garden (inspired by Op Het Dak in Rotterdam). The project aims to move beyond intermittent programming to a continuous civic workshop model, with a technical committee to monitor progress and impact. BASE has operated since 2015, transforming the former factory into a vibrant cultural space. The tender seeks potentially better offers from other parties.