Cremona's €17M Urban Regeneration Plan Targets Historic Center

Cremona is undertaking a €17 million urban regeneration project called 'Giovani in centro' (Young People in the Center), funded by European funds managed by Regione Lombardia and municipal co-financing, with completion expected by 2027. Deputy Mayor Andrea Virgilio emphasizes that regeneration starts with 'immaterial planning'—capturing flows of thought and desires in public spaces. The project aims to attract new residents, especially university students, and make the historic center livable for young families. Key sites include the former church of San Francesco (13th century, later a hospital until 1971), which will become a multifunctional community space with services for youth, a second-chance school, music rooms, and association headquarters. Architect Stefano Peyretti of Isolarchitetti S.r.l. leads the recovery of San Francesco, won in early 2024. Mario Cucinella won the international competition for the new city hospital in October 2023, beating Park Associati, Foster + Partners, Baumschlager Eberle Architekten, and OMA. Other interventions include the former Ospedale di via Redaelli, piazze Giovanni XXIII and Lodi, area Frazzi, palazzo Duemiglia, and the Po district. Construction starts in 2024 and ends by 2026, with full completion in 2027.