Milan City Council Approves Public Interest for CUS Milano Rugby’s Redevelopment Project in Via Padova
Milan, May 16, 2026 – The Milan City Council has officially recognized the public interest in a significant proposal put forth by ASD CUS Milano Rugby. This initiative aims at the comprehensive redevelopment and subsequent 12-year management of a municipal area situated between Via Padova and Via Tarabella, specifically within Municipality 2. This decision represents a landmark moment for the city, as it is the first time the Municipality of Milan has applied Article 5 of Legislative Decree 38/2021.
The aforementioned decree provides municipalities with the authority to grant concessions for zero-cost use of areas earmarked for regeneration, redevelopment, or modernization projects. These projects, spearheaded by private entities, must demonstrate a clear commitment to fostering social inclusion, promoting youth aggregation, and facilitating sports activities. The CUS Milano Rugby proposal aligns perfectly with these criteria, emphasizing community benefit through sport.
Project Details: Rugby, Social Inclusion, and Youth Engagement
The core of the proposal involves the modernization and enhancement of the designated area. This includes the construction of new spaces and support structures specifically designed to facilitate rugby activities and broader community engagement. The project’s fundamental objective is to strengthen the social role of sport within the neighborhood. It aims to achieve this by promoting a wide array of activities specifically tailored for children, adolescents, and individuals in vulnerable situations. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to establish collaborative channels with local associations, ensuring a wide-reaching impact within the community.
Transparency and Public Competition Ensured
Despite the provisions of the legislation that would permit a direct assignment, the Municipality of Milan has opted to introduce a public tender phase into the process. This decision underscores the city’s commitment to ensuring maximum transparency and upholding the principle of competition. Consequently, a public notice will be issued to ascertain whether there are any improved proposals available in the market, allowing for a fair and open selection process.
Councillor Riva: An Innovative Approach to Urban Regeneration
Martina Riva, the Councillor for Sport, commented on this groundbreaking decision, stating, "With this measure, Milan is experimenting for the first time with an innovative tool from the Sports Reform that allows for the regeneration of urban spaces through sports projects with a strong social vocation. In the case of Via Padova, we are talking about an entity already active in the area, which over the years has involved many children and young people, and which can now be further consolidated thanks to a stable and structured redevelopment intervention." This statement highlights the city’s forward-thinking approach to leveraging sports as a catalyst for urban and social development.
The project at Via Padova is expected to significantly benefit the local community by providing enhanced facilities for sports, fostering a sense of belonging among young people, and offering support to those in need. The emphasis on social inclusion and youth aggregation through rugby activities is anticipated to create a vibrant and cohesive environment within Municipality 2.
The public tender process is a crucial next step, ensuring that the best possible proposal is selected to realize the full potential of this redevelopment. The Milan City Council’s commitment to transparency and public benefit remains paramount throughout this initiative.
Source: https://www.comune.milano.it/w/sport.-da-giunta-interesse-pubblico-per-la-proposta-del-cus-milano-rugby-per-riqualificare-l-area-di-via-padova
