Demolition of Disused Petrol Station in Tre Pini District Completed
Rome, January 22 – A long-abandoned petrol station on Via Ascanio Vitozzi, located in the Tre Pini-Villaggio Azzurro area of Rome’s Tor de’ Cenci district, has been completely dismantled. For almost forty years, this facility served as a local landmark. However, for the past three years, it had become a symbol of an unresolved urban issue, sitting derelict between residential buildings and posing a risk to both decorum and safety. The site’s dismantling and removal were completed recently, marking the end of an era for the neighborhood.
The breakthrough came after sustained pressure from the Tor de’ Cenci-Spinaceto-Tre Pini-Castel di Decima Neighborhood Committee, which advocated for the area’s requalification. According to Cristiano Ciotta of the Committee, once the process with ENI, the site’s owner, was initiated, the timeline for action was surprisingly swift. From the actual start of procedures, the work was completed in approximately one and a half months, clearing the space of the old petrol station’s structures and providing a much-needed visual relief to the surrounding buildings.
A Long-Standing Problem Addressed
The situation had been brought to public attention in September 2025 when the Neighborhood Committee formally requested the site’s remediation, highlighting its negative impact on the entire district. This request also sparked an interesting proposal: to transform the disused areas into sustainable mobility hubs, drawing inspiration from the ENI Smart Stop project. This concept envisions electric charging stations for cars, bicycles, and scooters, along with solar-powered benches equipped with USB ports.
With the removal of the petrol station, the question now remains: what will be the future of this area? Residents are hopeful that this presents an opportunity to enhance the neighborhood, focusing on innovation, public utility, and sustainability. The community looks forward to seeing how this newly freed space will contribute to the area’s development and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants.
This development is a testament to the effectiveness of community engagement in addressing urban decay and advocating for positive change. The collaborative effort between local residents and authorities has successfully transformed a long-standing blight into a potential asset for the Tre Pini district.
Future Prospects for the Site
While specific plans for the site have not yet been finalized, the discussions around the ENI Smart Stop project suggest a forward-thinking approach. Such an initiative would not only modernize the area but also align with broader environmental goals by promoting green transportation options. The integration of public amenities like solar-powered benches could also create new communal spaces for residents, fostering a stronger sense of community.
The transformation of this site could serve as a model for other similar abandoned structures across Rome, demonstrating how proactive community action and collaboration with property owners can lead to meaningful urban renewal. The focus on sustainability and public utility could set a new standard for development in the city’s districts.
Local authorities are expected to engage with the Neighborhood Committee and other stakeholders to determine the most beneficial use for the newly cleared land. The outcome will be keenly watched by residents, who have been instrumental in driving this positive change for their community.
Source: https://urloweb.com/municipi/municipio-ix/tre-pini-addio-al-vecchio-benzinaio/
