ITALIAN

The ex prison complex (formerly convent of San Domenico) covers about a tenth of the area of the historic centre of San Gimignano (a World Heritage Site) and the concession to private individuals represents an absolutely unacceptable transfer of public property.
It was the first settlement of the historic city, documented in 928 as a bishop's castle and then a Dominican convent, but from the first half of the nineteenth century until 1992 it was used as a prison. That function has always prevented those 27,000 cubic meters, located in the heart of the Old Town, from being  considered as part of the city: therefore, no urban planning and no service infrastructure (roads, parking etc.) have ever been undertaken.
That portion of San Gimignano, of absolute importance because of its size and its history, today is likely to remain unavailable to the city and its inhabitants until 2089.
For two decades there has been a series of declarations that have led the institutions and the citizens of San Gimignano to commit themselves to ensuring that this building complex will be a springboard for the revival of a lively and dynamic historic centre. In spite of this, the new ongoing tender procurement notice – preceded by an ad hocseries of modifications – now plans the concession of the building to private individuals for the creation of tourist facilities (hotels, exhibition and commercial premises at current market prices etc.).
This choice has been poorly justified by the evidence that only a private entity can support the planned expenditure of approx. 22 million euro. It was not preceded by any concrete project. We believe that for a lower cost the area could be revitalized in terms of urban redevelopment. Spaces could be dedicated to cultural production, local associations and in support of the local handicraft and workshops with controlled rental prices.
The future of San Domenico should be discussed with the people of San Gimignano and cannot be changed only through decrees. Its functions and purposes will have a significant impact on the life of the town and of its population.
Hence, we are asking the authorities to withdraw the call for tenders, expiring on 11th  January, before it is too late! We also ask to make a broader reflection on the San Domenico complex, on the occasion of the drafting of the next Structural Plan. No debate with the citizens, associations, political and social forces, on the basis of the criteria of the UNESCO plan and the existing safeguard regulations will be possible, if the San Domenico complex is sold to private bodies for the next two generations!
Sign for it!