Ex Cartiera Salaria in Rome Transforms into CITYLAB 971 Cultural Hub

URBAN VALUE by Ninetynine has transformed the abandoned Ex Cartiera Salaria at Via Salaria 971 in Rome into CITYLAB 971, a cultural and social hub spanning 20,000 square meters. The site, which had been derelict for 15 years and subject to squatting, is being progressively reactivated. CEO Simone Mazzarelli stated that the project aims to counter the area's deindustrialization and vandalism. The first phase, including courtyards and entrance, opened in June 2019 with a free concert by Lo Stato Sociale. Subsequent phases will see pavilions open in autumn 2019, the central body in winter, and the park by summer 2020. Content is managed by Visionart, with confirmed projects including Orto 2.0 (urban garden), Agorà (open-air painting), and Art District comprising TAM (Temporary Tech Art Museum), LABS (artist residencies), and Sharing Space (multipurpose spaces for academies and galleries). The lease is for 40 months, with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti aiming to sell the property thereafter. Mazzarelli emphasized that reopening such spaces creates jobs and economic activity. URBAN VALUE has previously completed similar projects in Rome, including PratiBus District and Ragusa Off.