Milan’s Garibaldi Station Forecourt to Become Urban Garden by June
Milan, February 23 – The forecourt of Milan’s Garibaldi Station, Piazza Freud, is set to complete its transformation from a concrete parking lot into a vibrant urban garden by June. This marks the culmination of a nine-year process involving planning, revisions, and delays, aimed at making the station’s entrance more attractive and livable.
A Long-Awaited Transformation
Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) announced that the works in Piazza Freud will conclude by June, turning the area into an urban plaza featuring a central water mirror and green parterres. This redevelopment is part of a broader initiative to enhance the accessibility, usability, and safety of a location frequented by thousands of people daily.
The project, with an investment of approximately 3 million euros, is funded by the Municipality and falls under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The objective is to revitalize a space that has long been perceived as degraded and underutilized.
New Design and Features
According to the latest design, the road access to the square will be downsized in favor of pedestrian areas, with a wide sidewalk along the station’s facade. Dedicated spaces will be allocated for taxis, and several vehicle stalls for motorcycles. North of the square, near the station entrance, a ‘kiss and ride’ area will remain, allowing for quick drop-offs. Additionally, provisions are made for car and bike sharing stations, as well as bicycle racks, emphasizing the area’s new pedestrian and cycling-friendly pathways.
The square will boast an expansive water feature, flowerbeds, and trees. Special attention has been given to lighting, a crucial aspect for safety, considering the station and its surroundings have often been the scene of crime. The consistent flow of passengers, even during evening hours, also necessitated improved illumination.
Commercial and refreshment areas with outdoor seating will be established along the wide sidewalk at the front of the station, near the entrances, further enhancing the user experience.
Overcoming Delays and Challenges
The idea of revitalizing Piazza Freud initially surfaced with the momentum of Expo 2015, but without immediate realization. The turning point came in 2017, with the signing of an agreement between the Municipality, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, and F.S. Sistemi Urbani. The works were initially slated for completion between 2021 and 2022. However, due to various delays and project revisions, construction only commenced in the summer of 2024.
This redevelopment of Piazza Freud represents the final piece in a larger urban renewal project for the area, which began in 2009. This extensive undertaking has successfully reconnected the neighborhoods of Porta Nuova (formerly Varesine), Porta Garibaldi, and Isola around the Biblioteca degli Alberi (Library of Trees), fostering a more integrated and pedestrian-friendly urban fabric.
The transformation of Piazza Freud is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, providing a much-needed green oasis and a safer, more welcoming gateway to one of Milan’s key transportation hubs.
