Over the years, the historic center has become a vast outdoor dining area. Now, a project is under discussion to halt the uncontrolled proliferation of bars and restaurants in the four historic neighborhoods and a revitalization plan for traditional artisan workshops. This is the direction outlined in the new motion signed by city councilors Matteo Massa , Progressives, and Massimiliano Piccoi , Reformers, respectively president and vice president of the "Economic Development" committee, presented to the Cagliari City Council. The names of the signatories reflect the will of both the majority and the opposition to advance the project, already approved by the committee and awaiting a vote by Palazzo Bacaredda, whose stated goal is to restore a diversified commercial offering to Cagliari's historic neighborhoods, safeguarding the area's identity and preventing the extinction of high-quality commerce in the ancient neighborhoods.
How? The plan is to seize the opportunities offered by the new competition rules to curb unbridled deregulation. At the heart of the motion is the implementation of the "Market and Competition Law." While state legislation establishes general freedom of enterprise without constraints, it also grants municipalities an important power: the ability to impose restrictions and safeguards in historic centers for reasons of urban decorum, safety, and environmental and cultural heritage protection.
"It is necessary to seize opportunities to derogate from the right of establishment and limit the freedom to open new businesses to safeguard the specific characteristics of the historic center," reads the text of the council resolution. The motion proposes a multi-pronged strategy to redesign the city's economic fabric. First and foremost is the adaptation of the Urban Planning Scheme (PUC). The idea is to integrate competition rules into the Municipal Urban Plan, identifying specific areas of the historic center where the establishment of specific businesses should be restricted . There is also the intention to extend the regulations on outdoor seating to apply the stringent rules on the occupation of public land and furnishings, already in place for Piazza Yenne and Largo Carlo Felice (where outdoor seating is prohibited), to other prestigious streets and squares. Furthermore, an "architectural quality commission" will evaluate the landscape and environmental compatibility of the new activities, while a detailed study of the city's economic vocation will be conducted and a working group will be established with the SUAP (Suape), Urban Planning, Private Construction, Environment, and Markets departments to coordinate all permits.
Another key aspect of the initiative is the protection of traditional businesses over the sole provision of food and beverages. The document calls on the Region to increase non-repayable grants for artisan businesses. The request is to provide an increased funding quota (currently set at 40%) for artistic, traditional, and specialty shops establishing themselves in the historic center, excluding the restaurant and food sector from additional incentives . The regional council and the mayor will be called upon to translate the motion's commitments into operational regulations and action plans coordinated with trade associations.
"With this motion, we propose that the new Urban Planning Scheme (PUC) identify areas of the historic center where, as required by current legislation, it is possible—in consultation with the operators' associations—to plan the establishment of certain commercial activities and implement protection and enhancement measures for artisan workshops and neighborhood businesses," explains Matteo Massa . "Our objective is twofold: to enhance the beauty of historic centers, including through targeted planning of the streets and squares of greatest architectural value, and to provide a concrete boost to the opening of new artisan workshops. The text now goes to the Strategic, Urban, and Environmental Planning Commission for consideration." "The motion was passed unanimously because this project is not politically motivated," explains Massimiliano Piccoi . "Planning is needed, with the goal of developing a business plan to ensure that new openings are not limited to food, while also promoting qualified commercial activities."