Milan's Fabbrica del Vapore may become a youth hostel

The Municipality of Milan has published a market survey notice to explore transforming the second floor of Fabbrica del Vapore's Palazzina Liberty into a youth hostel. The historic industrial complex, currently a hub for contemporary creativity hosting cultural events and art fairs like Paratissima, spans 30,000 square meters, with 14,000 allocated to resident associations, exhibitions, performances, restaurants, and services. The notice clarifies that the second floor was originally conceived as a "foresteria" for artistic residencies. The administration seeks technical and managerial proposals to valorize this space for "non-hotel" hospitality with cultural and educational aims. Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo stated the goal is to make Fabbrica del Vapore a reference point for both Milanese and visitors from other Italian and foreign cities. The survey is non-binding and aims to gather ideas and management proposals to guide future public procedures. Proposals must include a management profile for a youth hostel integrated with the "Spazi al talento" project and support for youth creativity through artistic residencies and training initiatives, plus a preliminary business plan and timeline. Deadline for submissions is January 13, 2020.