Scampia is being reborn in Naples; the first three blocks of flats are ready to take the place of the old ‘Vele’

Where part of Naples’ historic and controversial ‘Vele’ once stood, three new blocks of flats now stand. The Scampia neighbourhood is thus being revitalised with the completion of the first phase of ReStart, one of Italy’s most significant urban regeneration and social housing projects, carried out by Naples City Council. The project involves the demolition of the Vela Gialla and the Vela Rossa and the redevelopment of the Vela Celeste, as well as the construction of new housing and amenities for the neighbourhood.

To date, the project has reached its first stage, with the completion of the three buildings – A1, A2 and A3 – in Lot M, comprising a total of around 97 flats. The Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, described this as an ‘important first step for Scampia and for the Vele, which are thus becoming a symbol of rebirth for the entire city’, emphasising how the project is providing the community with liveable and decent housing. The flats will be allocated between late 2026 and early 2027. “The application centre will open in early November, when families will be contacted and guided through the application process, whilst the ranking lists will be published between January and February 2027”, explained the Deputy Mayor of Naples and Councillor for Urban Planning, Laura Lieto, speaking to *Il Sole 24 Ore*.

Overall, the project involves the construction of 509 homes, with funding of around 159 million euros from the PNRR, PON Metro and Periferie funds. “By the end of 2026,” added Lieto, “116 homes will be ready and handed over, and a further 162 will be completed by the end of 2027.” The timetable has so far been delayed due to the partial collapse of the Vela Rossa during the demolition phase, which necessitated a reconfiguration of the works. The project was designed by Settanta7 in collaboration with Studio Perillo and Studio Valle Progettazioni, and is being carried out by Piloda Building/Operazione Srl.

The project covers approximately 200,000 square metres and aims to mark a break with the Vele, even from an architectural perspective. The new buildings are nearly zero-energy and feature ventilated façades in a range of colours, from anthracite to white and burgundy, to distinguish them from the existing buildings, all of which share the same layout. The flats, available in five different types ranging from around 50 to 140 square metres, have dual aspect and terraces measuring up to 4 metres by 4; the ground floors will house retail and community facilities.

The project will also include spaces for urban agriculture, with community vegetable gardens and orchards, a neighbourhood public park, a farm for recreational and educational purposes, a local market, a school complex – comprising a nursery school for 120 children and a crèche for 50–60 children – and a community centre serving social and cultural purposes. As regards the neighbourhood centre, the site has already been handed over to the contractor, who is now commencing construction.