It's a cliché, but it's a powerful one. A tailored suit. The future of the former Marino hospital, on the Poetto beach, is now: the redevelopment can begin.
The final act, by the Municipality of Cagliari, arrived on December 17th.
Work will begin in early 2026, subject to the mandatory conservation constraints, to revive the old Colonia Dux with 60 new five-star suites and 127 beds.
"One of the most iconic places on the Cagliari coast will be reborn," said Regional Environment Councilor Rosanna Laconi in October. At the time, the authorities had assessed the project's impact on the ecosystem. The assessment was passed, and the green light was given. The final authorization was granted.
The profile of the Marino must be redesigned by Colonia Hotel srl, a company headed by the entrepreneur Sergio Zuncheddu, publisher of the L'Unione Sarda Group .
History is also evident in the name, "paving the way for restoration and transformation projects, in full compliance with landscape and environmental protections," says Laconi. The company won the tender on November 30, 2021. The Region had published it at the beginning of the year. The starting bid was €418,797.60. The best idea counted, but the evaluation of the bids was also based on the price increase. Colonia Hotel proposed a 1,200% increase, putting €12 million on the table to regenerate a piece of Cagliari's seafront. That eighth stop on the city beach, for those who live around here. Almost a code name.
