Roma's Ex Mercati Generali urban regeneration project moves forward after 20 years

Key facts

• The former Mercati Generali in Rome's Ostiense district is undergoing a €380 million urban regeneration project by private fund Hines.
• The 9-hectare site will become a multifunctional urban citadel with public services, culture, sports, green spaces, and a 2,000-bed student residence.
• Public consultations began on January 30, 2026, with further meetings on February 13 at three locations.
• The project has a 20-year history: a 2004 competition won by OMA (Rem Koolhaas withdrew in 2008), a 2006 concession to Sviluppo Centro Ostiense, a 2017 second variant, and a 2022 ANAC investigation that deemed the second variant illegitimate.
• In July 2025, a new agreement was approved; in November 2025, an additional convention was signed.
• The project includes restoration of 12 historic buildings, 4 hectares of public green spaces, 1,500 public and 1,100 private underground parking spaces, start-up hubs, commercial areas, a conference hall, library, media center, senior center, and 'La Città dei Sapori'.
• Construction is planned to start in Q1 2027 and finish by summer 2030.
• A protest march 'Ex Mercati Generali Liberi' is scheduled for February 28, 2026.