A new look for Veronafiere: Scaligero Entrance Gate inaugurated
The Scaligero Entrance Gate is Veronafiere’s new point of access for visitors and operators. The structure, which serves Via Scopoli, was inaugurated today after four months of work: a modern covered atrium measuring 350 sq.m. in laminated wood, on-view steel and concrete, with 4 automated turnstiles capable of handling an hourly flow of more than 1,050 people, an info-point and a lane for taxis and chauffeured cars. The name was chosen following a survey involving all Veronafiere’s employees.
The task, involving a total investment of 1.7 million euros, also covered the redevelopment of the nearby Gate L on the corner with Via Roveggia, used exclusively by logistics vehicles during event set-up stages. A 6-metre-high steel portal was erected and equipped with a video-monitored entrance gate and an automatic vehicle license plate reader. This also involved the reorganization of 55 parking spaces in the P9 car park, now marked off by a perimeter wall.
The new Scaligero Entrance Gate
“This is yet another step towards achieving an increasingly attractive, sustainable and functional exhibition centre,” said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. “The intervention has two aims: respond to the growing needs and expectations of exhibitors and visitors at the same time as planning infrastructure developments aligned with the fabric of the city, especially as regards the urban renewal of southern part of Verona.”
“The installation of the Scaligero Entrance Gate and Gate L is part of the road map envisaged by Veronafiere’s infrastructure upgrading plan, which has set aside more than 20 million euros in investments through to 2026,” added Adolfo Rebughini, General Manager of Veronafiere. “The new, expanded photovoltaic roofing of Show Hall 8 will be commissioned within the next few months, while the redevelopment of all the catering facilities in the Exhibition Centre will begin, in terms of space and diversification of the offering.”
The project, designed by architect Michele Segala for A.70 Studio, also involves the redevelopment of the pedestrian path along Via Scopoli to improve safety and usability. This is achieved thanks to new lighting and pavement resurfacing in accordance with the latest regulations to allow disabled persons use all available spaces. In addition, all 61 public parking spaces existing along the street have been retained.
Gate L after redevelopment intervention
All this ensures considerable attention to sustainability, with even more effective management of traffic flows for vehicles entering and exiting the Exhibition Centre through Gate L, the installation of three electric car charging stations, a new wastewater treatment plant and energy savings by using LED lighting.
Lastly, landscape design helped safeguard and valorise the two historic, centuries-old cypress trees between the Scaligero Entrance Gate and Gate L. In keeping with environmental standards, the trees along Via Scopoli were cared for and if relocation was necessary, they were replanted in the nearby playground on Via Piccono della Valle.
“This new entrance gate, in addition to its symbolic meaning, ensures very effective access to one of the most strategic realities for the city’s development.” said Alessia Rotta, Councillor of Verona City Council. “The City Council is grateful to Veronafiere for this redevelopment project which benefits the Exhibition Centre itself as well as local residents.”
From the left, Rebughini, Rotta, Bricolo and Danese
The ribbon cutting ceremony held today at Veronafiere was attended by President Bricolo, General Manager Rebughini and Councillor Rotta, joined by Maurizio Danese, CEO of Veronafiere, Anna Nicolò, Director of Operations & HR of Veronafiere, Monsignor Domenico Pompili, Bishop of Verona, Alberto Padovani, President of the Fourth Town District, and Raimondo Dilara, President of the Fifth Town District. The occasion also welcomed Veronese sculptor Federico Ferrarini, author of “Stargate”, the work in Lessinia Stone donated to the Exhibition Centre which now welcomes visitors to the atrium of the new access point on Via Scopoli.