Multi wins mandate for port regeneration project in Genoa

The Thematic District in Genoa, one of Italy’s largest urban regeneration schemes, is powering ahead, with a grand opening scheduled for mid-2025, and Multi Corporation has won the property management mandate for the project.

“The new Thematic District in Genoa is one of the most exciting new development projects in Italy, and promises to really bring this part of the city back to life,” said Luca Magnanuco, senior managing director Italy, Multi Corporation. “It will be a destination for residents, tourists, and visitors in its own right, as well as a fantastic addition to the broader marina area.”

The new Thematic District is set to transform a strategic area of Genoa, bringing new life to the waterfront through an innovative intervention that will create an urban hub, a residential district as well a centre of cultural, commercial and nautical activities by the sea.

The redevelopment project, masterminded by the Genoa-born architect Renzo Piano, will rejuvenate the disused area of the former Trade Fair site on the boundary between land and sea, reconnecting it with downtown Genoa.

The masterplan includes an Urban Park, a visual screen and sound barrier between the port and the city, residences, offices, student housing, retail facilities, and more. The project focuses on blending public and private spaces, creating opportunities for social interaction, and enhancing the connection between the city and the sea.

Last week Palasport, the new sports arena on the waterfront, also designed by Renzo Piano, was unveiled to coincide with Genoa being the European capital of sport 2024. The sustainable building spans three floors and can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.

Central to the regeneration project is a new retail development spanning three floors and around 28,000 sq m of GLA. The new Thematic District will feature a diverse mix of national and international brands, focusing on sport, the sea world, and local products. It aims to be a destination for residents, tourists and visitors to the adjacent marina as well as Genoa more generally.

The new Thematic District is poised to become Genoa’s new commercial hub, seamlessly connecting a previously disused part of the city with its high street.

Multi’s mandate, awarded by Genova Sviluppo, includes advisory on all pre-opening activities and property management post-opening in 2025.

Multi Corporation, a Netherlands-based platform for integrated real estate management services, manages over 160 properties across Europe and welcomes over 400 million customers annually, who spend an estimated €4 billion across over 6.000 stores, restaurants, and leisure facilities.