Overview of the Initiative
The article, published by Borderline24, details a collaborative protocol signed between the Municipality of Bari and Arca Puglia Centrale aimed at delivering approximately 10,000 new or refurbished public housing units in Bari. The partnership is framed as a “Patto per l’abitare equo e sostenibile” and is positioned within broader European efforts to promote equitable and sustainable urban living.
Strategic Objectives
Four main strategies guide the plan: (1) a Housing First approach that expands social‑housing services, voucher schemes and co‑housing experiments; (2) the “Obiettivo 10 000” target to renovate existing public housing, complete projects in districts such as Mungivacca, Sant’Anna and San Girolamo, and improve energy efficiency while removing architectural barriers; (3) development of innovative models for equitable, sustainable housing to inform future urban planning; and (4) creation of an “Osservatorio dell’Abitare” to monitor demand‑supply dynamics and guide policy interventions.
Financial Scope and Investment
The total investment exceeds €250 million, with more than €200 million allocated to the new housing programme. The Municipality of Bari earmarks €5 million from the PON Metro fund for social‑housing initiatives, alongside multiple funding streams for energy‑efficiency upgrades, barrier removal and disability‑friendly constructions. Arca Puglia Centrale contributes over €200 million across maintenance, new construction (including 200‑plus units in Mungivacca and San Girolamo), barrier elimination and large‑scale renovation projects in districts such as Madonnella and San Paolo.
Specific Projects and Funding Sources
Bari’s ERP (public housing) portfolio includes:
- Energy‑efficiency retrofits for 13 complexes (€26.2 million) under the National Complementary Investment Programme (PNC).
- Two PINQUA‑funded renewal plans in Santa Rita and San Pio (€5 million).
- P.A.S.S.‑funded energy upgrades in Santa Rita (€1.9 million).
- Accessible housing projects in Japigia and Ceglie (€7.75 million).
- Additional €4 million slated for extraordinary maintenance and energy upgrades (2024‑26 triennial plan). Arca’s allocations comprise:
- €40.2 million for extraordinary maintenance in San Paolo, Japigia and Ceglie Carbonara.
- €45.2 million for over 200 new units in Mungivacca and San Girolamo (FSC Puglia 2021‑27).
- €16.7 million for recovery, maintenance and 48 new units at Sant’Anna (FSC Puglia).
- €6.4 million for barrier removal across its portfolio (FSC Puglia).
- €20.6 million for new construction and major renovations (2024‑26 triennial plan).
- €59.3 million for extensive refurbishment, structural consolidation and energy upgrades affecting roughly 1,000 units in Madonnella and San Paolo (FESR Puglia 2021‑27).
Governance and Implementation
The coordination of the joint working group rests with Bari’s Agenzia della Casa, which will provide material and financial resources, conduct preliminary studies, and facilitate stakeholder engagement—including institutions, NGOs, trade unions, employers’ organisations and active citizens. The protocol is set for a two‑year duration from signing, after which a comprehensive “Piano dell’Abitare” will be drafted to align with the forthcoming new General Urban Plan (PUG) for Bari.
Expected Impact
The programme targets the most vulnerable populations, aiming to reduce housing insecurity intensified by rising rental costs and tourism pressure. By integrating social‑housing services, financial incentives and barrier‑free design, the initiative seeks to improve living standards, promote energy sustainability and support broader urban regeneration, contributing to the European agenda of inclusive, climate‑responsive housing.