The project for the stadium at the foot of Parioli, presented by Roma Nuoto in 2020, was long ago rejected by the Preliminary Services Conference (CSP).

Roma Nuoto's project incompatible with urban standards?

However, an appeal was filed with the Regional Administrative Court (TAR), and administrative judges compelled the Capitoline administration to convene a new Services Conference to reassess the proposal. The CSP was scheduled to decide on November 20, but the decision has been delayed. According to Il Messaggero, at least another ten days will be needed to determine whether the Stadio Flaminio renovation project, presented by the group of companies working with Roma Nuoto, can be deemed in line with public interest.

The Services Conference's decision hinges on an opinion from the Urban Planning Department, citing non-compliance with urban standards. Simply put, changes to the urban development plan will be necessary, potentially requiring recalculations of key parameters, such as parking spaces.

The National Monuments Protection Service, historically the harshest critic of Flaminio redevelopment projects, has issued a conditionally positive opinion. This isn't a categorical no, but further analysis will take about ten days. Roma Nuoto, however, remains dissatisfied with the drawn-out process. Adding to the complexity, the matter has also come under scrutiny from the National Anti-Corruption Authority, which has offered its assistance to the Campidoglio on the most sensitive procedural stages.

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Extra time, a golden opportunity for Lazio's project?

While the delay isn't favorable for Roma Nuoto, it could work to the advantage of Lazio and its president, Claudio Lotito, who now has more time to refine his own proposal. The crux of the issue is that a positive decision on Roma Nuoto's project—whether conditional or unconditional—would compel the city to declare it in line with public interest, effectively closing the door on alternative proposals. The more time elapses before a decision, the more opportunities Lotito’s team has to address the challenges of adapting Flaminio to Serie A and international standards, from parking and transportation to approval by the Monuments Protection Service and compliance with safety distance requirements.

If all goes as planned, the preliminary feasibility project from Lazio is expected to be submitted between November 30 and December 5, as Lotito recently confirmed. Not coincidentally, on November 20—the same day CSP was supposed to rule on Roma Nuoto—City Councilor for Sport Alessandro Onorato stated on Radio Serie A: Lotito must keep his word: if he does, the city is ready to collaborate.

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