Savona Masterplan: Changing face of the waterfront unveiled 

We take great pride in sharing details of our role in leading the large-scale transformation of Savona’s waterfront, a project that was recently celebrated at the “Port-City Alliance Transforms the Coastline Eastwards of Savona” event. This significant regeneration initiative stands as a testament to the collaborative partnership between the Ports of Genoa, local municipalities, and national authorities, each dedicated to the City and Port of Savona’s sustainable development. This collaborative effort highlights our shared dedication to fostering sustainable urban and port development in Savona. 

In their opening remarks, Mayor Marco Russo and Government Commissioner of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, Paolo Piacenza unveiled a roadmap that has been instrumental in formulating an innovative Masterplan. This strategy is poised to revitalize the waterfront from the Tower of Savona to the Artists’ Promenade of Albissola Marina, creating a vibrant urban area for the enjoyment of residents and tourists alike, and to work in harmony with existing port operations. The urban initiatives in the Waterfront Masterplan are designed to enhance the port functions described in the Port of Savona-Vado Ligure Masterplan, soon to be implemented by the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority. 

Our architects, Ana Paez and Francesco Vitetta, conveyed the project’s ambitious vision, focusing on the overarching aim of the Masterplan: to ensure the well-being of all waterfront users. The plan, structured in five strategic areas, anticipates the rejuvenation of the cycle-pedestrian promenade, alongside the marina’s redevelopment and the enhancement of communal urban spaces, which includes constructing a new parking facility to support the under-development port road network and, consequently, alleviate traffic in both Savona and Albissola Marina. 

The project has progressed with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement under the auspices of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. This pact, involving the Liguria Region, the Port Authority, and ASPI, allocates €20 million to upgrade the connectivity to the Port of Savona, significantly improving access. Moreover, a detailed agreement has been established to ensure the coastline’s redevelopment is in sync with the Masterplan’s objectives, heralding a new chapter for the Savona waterfront. 

Reflecting on the project, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi said, “This marks a pivotal advancement for Savona, charting a course for the seamless integration of transportation within urban life.” 

President of the Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, emphasized the strategic importance, asserting, “The sea is an economic and touristic lifeline. This Masterplan embodies a progressive vision that sets Liguria apart in sustainable coastal development.” 

Paolo Piacenza, the extraordinary commissioner of the Port System Authority, reiterated this view: “Fostering a productive dialogue between the port and city has been our aim. This Masterplan materializes that dialogue, promising a rejuvenated vigor for the entire region.” 

Mayor Marco Russo of Savona expressed his forward-looking stance: “This day is a landmark for Savona, displaying a shared ambition for a city proud of its maritime legacy, yet eager to embrace its future.” 

At Oneworks, we are excited to lead this regeneration, leveraging our expertise to craft spaces that support the dynamic relationship between infrastructure and user experience, reshaping Savona’s identity as a city that looks to the future while celebrating its rich maritime heritage. 

Watch the full presentation at the Ports of Genoa website.