Urban Hub: a fresh boost for Faenza's historic centre

Urban Hub: a fresh boost for Faenza's historic centre

The Urban Hub initiative in Faenza is progressing with updated data and a practical plan to strengthen the town centre. An Observatory on local businesses, produced with Cat Confesercenti regional office, maps the commercial and artisanal landscape of the historic core.

• 228 non-food retail businesses
• 89 hospitality venues (bars, cafés, etc.)
• 123 craft enterprises, including many linked to ceramic production

The commercial mix shows a healthy balance: roughly 40% public venues, 11% food service and 49% neighbourhood shops — a combination that helps keep the centre active. Cultural assets such as the University of Bologna local facilities, ISIA, and the International Museum of Ceramics, together with theatres, cinemas, libraries and exhibition spaces, further enhance the area’s appeal.

The municipality has prepared an application for official recognition of the Urban Hub to the Region, backed by a feasibility study and a three-year plan outlining 42 actions to be implemented over the coming years. The aim is to increase the historic centre’s attractiveness and support economic development through trade, services, culture and tourism.

Hundreds of local businesses have already joined the partnership agreement; these enterprises will be eligible for funding aimed at collective initiatives to promote the centre and for improvements to their own premises and services.

Municipal authorities and trade associations are among the stakeholders shaping development strategies. The shared approach involving institutions, businesses and associations is seen as essential to turn the plan into tangible and lasting results.

For residents and operators, the planned measures offer concrete prospects: from boosting cultural and tourism activities to modernising commercial spaces and supporting joint projects that reinforce the town’s identity — particularly its ceramic tradition, which links craftsmanship and innovation.