Renzo Piano’s Bridge-Station Takes Shape Over Tracks in Milan North
Milan, May 21, 2026 – The ambitious MilanoSesto project, transforming the former Falck areas in Sesto San Giovanni, is rapidly progressing. At its heart, the new railway hub designed by Renzo Piano in collaboration with Ottavio Di Blasi & Partners is steadily taking form. This bridge-station, replacing the 1969 structure demolished in the summer of 2024, is poised to become a pivotal urban link.
The main building, a glass walkway approximately 90 meters long and 18 meters wide, is suspended above the railway tracks, physically connecting the two sides of the city. A large photovoltaic canopy, spanning about 110 by 28 meters, is designed to ensure the complex’s energy self-sufficiency. Construction of the new railway station was awarded to Cimolai Spa following a public tender by Milanosesto Spa.
Recent images released by Urbanfile showcase the advanced stage of the station’s central body, now clearly recognizable from Piazza Primo Maggio. The station’s landing structures, including stairs and canopies on both sides of the railway, are reportedly complete and operational. This new edifice marks the initial phase of the transformation of the former Falck steelworks, one of Europe’s most extensive urban regeneration initiatives. Alongside the station, a new bicycle station, integrated with both the railway and metropolitan networks, is also under construction.
Tunnel Towards Metro Reopened and Extended
A significant development is the reopening of the railway underpass connected to the M1 metro line. Following months of closure, the tunnel has been extended by approximately 42 meters to seamlessly integrate with the station’s new passenger area and future vertical access points. This route directly connects to the upper walkway via stairs, elevators, and escalators.
The new station is envisioned not merely as a railway stop but as a crucial urban anchor, bridging two parts of the city that have been separated by railway infrastructure for decades. The project directly overlooks the future Unione Zero urban park, planned across approximately 14 hectares of redeveloped land. However, the definitive inauguration timeline for the entire structure remains uncertain, with previous estimates of December 2025 having already been postponed multiple times.
Student Housing, Offices, and New Buildings Emerge
Around the new station, the first buildings of the Unionezero sector, initiated in 2024 by Hines within the former Falck areas, are also taking shape. The student residence, designed by Park Associati, will offer approximately 600 beds and has largely completed its main structure. Insulating panels are currently being installed, and the project’s distinctive rust-colored exterior cladding is beginning to appear.
Adjacent to this, new office buildings designed by ACPV Architects, including the future headquarters of Intesa Sanpaolo, are rising. These two structures are progressively gaining height, revealing their final architectural design characterized by inclined pillars, staggered volumes, and expansive glass surfaces. The initial external facades are also being installed during this phase. An additional building of approximately 23,000 square meters is planned on the northern side of the area, designated for hospitality spaces and alternative accommodation options beyond traditional hotels. The entire sector is being developed as a mixed-use district, integrating residential, commercial, and university functions around the new railway hub. This intervention represents the first tangible block of the extensive MilanoSesto masterplan.
Health City Project Delayed to 2030
Concurrently, the colossal construction site of the future Health City and Research, destined to house the Besta Neurological Institute and the National Cancer Institute, continues. This healthcare hub is designed as an integrated center for medical care, research, and innovation. The project adheres to guidelines developed by Renzo Piano and Umberto Veronesi, aiming for a hospital immersed in greenery and built around patient needs. Mario Cucinella Architects is also contributing to the architectural design.
In January 2026, the Lombardy Region formally allocated an additional 180 million euros to include a new general hospital linked to the specialized hub. These new resources supplement previous economic adjustments due to rising costs, bringing the total public commitment to over 700 million euros. After years of delays and revisions, the timeline remains extensive. The completion of works is now anticipated in 2029, with the operational launch of the healthcare hub projected for 2030. The new general hospital will also align with these overall timelines.
Source: Urbanfile, sestosg.net, MilanoSesto Spa
