The
aim of the CIP (Community Initiative
Programme) Urban II Caserta is the urban
regeneration of the city centre, using
structural funds (ERDF) provided by
the European Union and with the active
participation of the citizens of Caserta.
Over six years (2001-2006) this programme
aims to achieve a sustained development
and regeneration of the central area
of this city, with its 23,386 inhabitants.
Improving the quality of life, and overcoming
the physical and socio-economic barriers
which stand between the city and its
surroundings are the project’s
watchwords.
The authority in charge of the programme
is the Caserta town council, Sector
VI- Territorial Management and Urban
Culture.
Starting analysis
The
difficult conditions in this area are
caused by a series of problems, starting
with a lack of public transport and
the existence of urban barriers. Furthermore,
despite the presence of an important
and extraordinarily beautiful historical
and archaeological complex, optimum
use of this significant heritage is
hindered by insufficient transport connections
and infrastructure. Other weak points
include low levels of technological
innovation in the productive sector,
in environmental services and social
services for businesses. The labour
market lacks strategic services aimed
at employment and equal opportunities,
and a high-profile system of professional
training.
These weak points are nevertheless countered
by some strong areas: the availability
of natural resources, historical, architectural
and archaeological monuments from a
variety of periods, and a lively social
fabric with strong traditions.
High levels of education and a specialized
work force represent a strong attraction
for outside investment, as well as an
important resource for the development
of local entrepreneurship. Also fundamental
is the role of the city’s local
government, characterised by efficient
institutions, and a well-informed and
effective use of resources hitherto
made available by the European Commission.
Aims and Strategies
The
CIP Urban II Caserta has specific aims,
to be pursued through a development
strategy including physical, social,
economic, environmental and management
actions, so as to make full use of existing
resources.
The objectives to be achieved are:
Countering the area's isolation Reducing levels of unemployment Overcoming the main causes of social exclusion Overcoming the main causes of environmental degradation Encouraging the spread and exchange of knowledge regarding sustainable urban development
Action
Priorities
The
programme is structured in five action
lines which are organized in measures.
Action
Priority 1
Mixed-Use and Environmentally
Friendly Regeneration of Urban
Areas
Measure
1.1 Restoration and
rehabilitation of the historic road
network, by restructuring the
road network, resurfacing roads, renovating
underpasses and railway bridges and
improving street lighting.
Measure
1.2
Renovation of buildings for the creation of employment services centres
Measure
1.3 Renovation of buildings
for the creation of social and cultural
services, by setting up basic
social services for health care, nursery
schools and administrative and cultural
services.
Measure
1.4 Integrated Public
Transport and Communications Systems,
with the creation of cycle paths, park
and ride facilities, a fleet of environmentally
friendly buses, and the set-up of alternative
transport and an information system
to promote it.
Action Priority 2
Entrepreneurship and Pacts for
Employment
Measure
2.1 Assistance for
existing SMEs, with investment
in the development of facilities and
the purchase of equipment aimed at small
and medium-sized businesses, assistance
with the preparation of business plans
and during start-up.
Measure
2.2 Assistance for
the start-up of new SMEs with
investment in entrepreneurial projects,
assistance for the start-up of new businesses,
support for the self-employed, integrated
training schemes, assistance in the
preparation of business plans..
Measure
2.3 Support for the
social economy, with investment
in entrepreneurial projects based on
the use of ICT, integrated training
schemes and investment in the start
up of businesses involved in the management
of social services.
Action
Priority 3
Integration of marginalized groups
and increased provision of economically
accessible basic services
Measure
3.1 Measures to encourage
processes of social integration,
with initial reception services, language
training and civic education for immigrants,
counselling programmes, orientation,
and integration schemes, cultural events
to promote the city’s multiethnic
heritage.
Measure
3.2 Initiatives to
train women and encourage them to join
the labour market, with courses
for women with children or employed
in low level jobs, training to promote
the presence of women in male-dominated
roles and occupations, support to businesses
which adopt new organizational models.
Measure
3.3 Actions to encourage the recovery of at-risk minors and disadvantaged groups,
with training, careers advice and personalized
counselling, integrated schemes and
work experience, inclusion in learning
schemes.
Action
Priority 4
Efficient management of environmental
resources through a programme
of research, development and innovation
Measure
4.1 Actions for the regeneration of run-down urban areas and reclamation of open spaces, with the
clearance of small illegal landfills
by removing urban solid waste and reclaiming
the land, and the creation of green
areas with facilities (theme parks,
open-air sports and recreation centres).
Measure
4.2 Actions to encourage
differentiated collection of urban solid
waste, with the installation
of rubbish skips for each building block,
collection points and an experimental
waste compacting plant, the disposal
of waste deriving from reclamation schemes
and public awareness campaigns.
Measure
4.3 Actions to support
the management of natural and environmental
resources, with the creation
of a research centre, a territorial
information system, monitoring and public
relations activities and local and international
networks of collaboration.
Action
Priority 5
Management and Technical Assistance
Measure
5.1 Local technical
assistance, with the planning
of interventions, project management
support, support for monitoring, auditing
and control, implementation and surveillance
of the programme, communications, the
organization of studies and seminars,
the collection of data.
Measure
5.2 Centralized technical
assistance, with assistance in
project management, implementation,
accountability, coordination of Surveillance
Committees, through monitoring, financial
auditing, advertising, dissemination
of data in electronic form, participation
in seminars and meetings, support services
for a wider dissemination of results.
