€3.5 million from CDP to redevelop the University of Sannio’s building stock
A centre for research and innovation activities, higher education, business creation and technology transfer initiatives in the cultural heritage sector. This is the aim of the €3.5 million loan granted by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) to the University of Sannio in Benevento for the renovations.
The ‘Ex Battistine’ Complex gets a new look
The funds made available by CDP will be used to carry out the renovation of the “Complex of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist”, known as 'Ex Battistine', owned by the University of Sannio. The building of approximately 3,800 square metres is located in the historic centre of Benevento, close to the Roman Theatre, and situated within the old Lombard city, in the so-called 'Triggio' district, an area of great historical value. The structure is not currently in use, but until 2018 it housed the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
Functional, energy and structural works are planned for the building. Science labs, exhibition and multi-purpose rooms, classrooms for higher education and offices will be built. Work will be carried out not only for earthquake retrofitting but also to reduce the building’s environmental impact, upgrading the complex to a NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) energy level rating. Significant works are also planned for the surrounding green areas.
Cultural heritage, sustainability and innovation: the SHERIL Centre looks to the future
The redevelopment of the 'Ex Battistine' building is part of a wide-ranging project to create a centre, called SHERIL (Samnium Heritage Innovation Lab), focussed on research activities, technology transfer, higher education, business creation in the knowledge sector, and the protection and development of cultural, tangible and intangible heritage with a multidisciplinary approach that envisages a close interconnection between the humanities and STEM areas.
The Centre’s aim is to develop knowledge and skills related to the contribution that technology, artificial intelligence and digital services can make to cultural heritage, involving public bodies, local universities and companies.
How the financing works
The works are worth a total of approximately €10 million, which will be financed in part through the €3.5 million CDP loan with a 20-year amortisation plan and, for the remainder, through a grant of €5 million from the Agency for Territorial Cohesion and €1.5 million from the University's budget.
A positive impact, in line with CDP's Strategic Guidelines
The transaction is based on the action priorities identified in the Strategic Guidelines for Social Infrastructure as set out in CDP's 2022-2024 Plan, with the aim of contributing to the development of education infrastructure to generate a positive social and environmental impact.