By January 12, 2015, piazza del Carmine will be pedestrianized, part of a broader scheme intended to improve quality of life in the Oltrarno.
Renovating the piazza, for which 3.6 million has been allocated, is the first step in returning the Oltrarno to Florentines. Among the planned improvements, piazza del Carmine will be repaved in the minimalist style of piazza Pitti, with very limited seating.
Residents will still be able to access the Oltrarno along borgo San Frediano, but the area’s limited circulation zone will change, considerably lowering traffic, particularly during the summer, when circulation will be strictly limited only to residents, and at certain times of the day.
During 2015, 2.5 kilometres of roads and 5 kilometres of pavements will be rebuilt, including via dei Serragli and via Romana. New public toilets will be opened along via Sant’Agostino. The improvements will also include lighting for the new pedestrian areas.
The urban regeneration plan also focuses on tourism. The city is negotiating with Google and Amazon to promote the Oltrarno’s artisan scene. Among other efforts, all of the neighbourhood’s craftspeople will be geo-referenced on Google Maps and an ‘Artisan Florence’ section will be opened on Amazon.
Parking areas will be created. The 200 parking spots currently available in piazza del Carmine will be reduced to 65 at the sides of the square, but 70 places will be created in nearby piazza del Cestello. Underground parking is being planned for piazza Tasso and near the old gas tower.
Florence will get a preview of the new-look Oltrarno in December, when the City of Florence presents concerts in piazza del Carmine for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
