Construction Start for a New Neighborhood Center in Genoa: Space for Books, Meetings and Children

Finally underway on Plaça de Sant Salvador

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On the morning of October 10, 2025, residents, some association representatives, and city councilors gathered on Plaça de Sant Salvador. Between the scent of coffee and construction fences, the symbolic first spade was turned. The feeling was: after two decades of demands and talks, something concrete is happening – not just on paper.

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What is planned

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For around 2.6 million euros, a small but versatile house will be built at this central square. The plan includes a library, spaces for local associations, several multipurpose halls, a small terrace, and a playground. All to a scale that fits the quarter – not a monumental block, but rather a meeting place for everyday life.

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Why this matters

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The neighborhood association of Génova has fought for years. Those who live here know the pattern: meeting places disappear, shops close, and there is a lack of a place where young and old can come together. This center is meant to change exactly that: space for reading hours, choir rehearsals, repair cafés, or simply a shady corner for a chat.

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The mayor was on site and spoke of an opening in the course of the next year. That sounds optimistic but realistic – you can feel that the administration and community are pulling in the same direction. Construction work begins gradually now; fences secure the plaza, delivery vehicles will be more frequent in the coming weeks.

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How the neighborhood will change

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Anyone who regularly walks through Génova will notice small things: the kiosk on the corner, which sells fresh cake on Saturdays, will probably have to rearrange soon, and parking spaces will temporarily be scarce. Some neighbors take this calmly, others worry about noise and construction traffic. The city announced it would inform residents in good time and review noise protection measures.

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The hope is great: fewer vacancies, more local meetings and a piece of downtown with less anonymous rushing. For children, a playground will soon be within walking distance – not a luxury in densely built neighborhoods.

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Next steps

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In the coming weeks, tenders will be issued, construction companies will begin with foundation work, and the city administration plans information sessions for adjacent streets. Those curious should watch for notices on the square or ask the neighborhood association – there are already ideas for cultural evenings and courses there.

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For Génova, this is more than a building: it is an attempt to revive lost neighborhood rituals. Nobody takes that for granted – and yet today you can see satisfied faces on the Plaça. Let’s see how the square feels next year. I will regularly drop by and report, promise.