San Giovanni a Teduccio, one of the most populous neighborhoods of Naples, rich in history and traditions, is about to witness a significant change. This neighborhood, once the hub of the city's industrial activities and now predominantly residential with a prevalence of public housing, also hosts the university field, including the prestigious headquarters of Apple.
His ward, known as the “Bronx of Naples” (even if it is a "nickname" that is very unwelcome by residents and local associations fighting for the urban redevelopment of the area) is destined for a complete metamorphosis thanks to a ambitious urban regeneration project. The old structures and urban spaces, witnesses of an industrious past, are ready to give way to new buildings.
When the houses of Taverna del Ferro were built
The houses of Iron Tavern they are not a simple agglomeration of buildings, but they represent an important piece of the history of Naples. Built in the following period to the devastating earthquake of 1980, these structures have become a symbol of a resilient Naples, rising from its ashes, to symbol of degradation and corruption.
Today, with the renovation project, these homes, witnesses of an era of reconstruction and hope, are preparing to make room for a new chapter in the neighborhood's history.
The first phase: demolition of garages, warehouses and garages
The first step towards the renewal of Iron Tavern begins with the demolition of secondary structures such as:
- garage,
- deposits,
- garages
Spaces that were once essential for the daily life of the neighborhood, which now represent the symbol of a beginning, the first piece of a mosaic that will design a different future for the area. Citizenship was in fact invited to start clearing the spaces independently, before the authorities take action twigs January 28 2024.
The participation of local citizens and in particular of the local committees of the area was active, in fact they also accompanied the technicians in the census of the areas in question, which underlines how well the project was received.
For us today is a fundamental day, an event we have been waiting for for 40 years. If we proceed concretely and quickly, this operation will be the achievement of a great result both for the Committee and for the Municipal administration. We are writing the history of this neighborhood. A story that the inhabitants will not easily forget, because it is the result of great sacrifices and suffering felt in these 7 years of activity and struggle. We hope that a new phase will be brought to life
Rosaria Cordone of the Taverna del Ferro Committee
A process of transformation which, starting from the small things, aims to renew the entire urban fabric, paving the way for a more modern and livable environment.
How the demolition of the buildings in the area will take place
It should be noted that the project, definitively approved a few years ago, in the last 2 years it has undergone numerous changes and "changes of mind" on the part of the municipal administration. For example, in 2022 the demolition of only the "north sail" was planned, thus leaving the south one and the side walls intact. In 2023, however, it is the result was confirmed as a total abatement, but in recent weeks there has been talk again of a possible partial abatement.
Where reference we should proceed with the total demolition, the demolition of the Taverna del Ferro buildings in Naples will happen in two phases.
In the first phase, which will begin in January 2024 with the emptying of warehouses and garages, the two most degraded buildings, those located in via Taverna del Ferro 11 and 13. In this phase, residents of these buildings will be relocated to temporary accommodation located in other areas of the city. The demolition work will presumably take several years.
In the second stage, which is expected to start in 2025 (even if it is an overly optimistic hypothesis), the other two buildings will be demolished, the ones located in via Taverna del Ferro 9 and 15. At the end of this phase, the residents of these buildings will be transferred to permanent housing, which will be built in the Taverna del Ferro area after the demolition of the old buildings.
The residents of the Taverna del Ferro buildings they will be moved to temporary accommodation located in other areas of the city until the works are completed. Accommodations that will be identified by the Municipality of Naples based on the needs of individual families. Residents will be notified in advance of the move and will receive an allowance for moving expenses.
The permanent accommodations, which will be built in the Taverna del Ferro area after the demolition of the old buildings, will be built according to the principles of urban regeneration. The buildings will be equipped with all comforts and quality services, such as green spaces, sports areas and social services.
The regeneration project of Taverna del Ferro is financed with funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The intervention has a total cost of over 106 million euros and involves the construction of:
- 200 new homes
- 10 thousand square meters of green spaces
- 5 thousand square meters of space for sporting and social activities
The objective of the project is to redevelop a degraded area of the city and create a new liveable and more attractive neighborhood.
Will the 4 murals of Jorit also be demolished, including that of Maradona?
If the hypothesis of a total demolition were to be confirmed, the fate of the murals would be sealed. The urban regeneration of Iron Tavern involves difficult choices, including the removal of the four murals of Jorit, open-air works of art that have embellished the facades of the "sails".
A decision that unfortunately it also includes the mural depicting Maradona, loved by the community and fans of the champion. Although their removal arouses mixed emotions, the hope is that the art, as well as the neighborhood, can live a new existence elsewhere, perhaps through new works that celebrate the memory of what has been and the aspiration for what will be.
