Next Neighbourhoods 2021: Scalo Porta Romana, Milan, Italy

Located on the south-east side of Milan close to the railway yard, this former industrial area is undergoing major redevelopment. It is home to the new Symbiosis Business hub, set to become the business district of the future, with innovative offices, labs, urban gardens, restaurants, hotels and public spaces that combine nature with science to set a new sustainability benchmark for the city.

01 March 2021

2 mins read

Why is it primed for growth?

The wider redevelopment of the area is being managed by a consortium that includes Covivio, Coima SGR and Prada Holding SpA. Covering 20ha, the site will include accommodation for athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics to be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. After the Games, the village will be converted into social housing and student accommodation.

Coima will develop the residential structures and the Olympic Village while Covivio will build offices and services. Prada will focus on creating a vast public park, set to cover half the area of the former railway yard. All this is certain to attract visitors, residents and investors.

My favourite bits:

The Fondazione Prada offers a rich cultural programme that includes film festivals, talks and exhibitions on architecture and design. At the entrance of the building is Bar Luce, designed by the American film director Wes Anderson in 2015 to recreate the atmosphere of a typical Milanese café.

What will my money buy me?

Prices range between €4,000 and €5,000 per sq m. The proximity to Luigi Bocconi University makes a one- or two-bedroom apartment an attractive investment prospect. Expect to pay between €450,000 and €500,000 for a two-bedroom place.

One thing the locals like to keep secret:

Right next to Scalo Porta Romana is Taverna Calabiana, a typical Milanese restaurant. Enjoy great pizza and grilled meats with excellent Italian wines in the restaurant’s secret garden.