In December 2020, HEVF 2 committed €80 million to regenerate a building in the wider Manifattura Tabacchi masterplan in Florence into a state of the art 16,000 square meter student housing scheme.
The Manifattura Tabacchi regeneration area is strategically situated in the northwest corner of Florence, just 15 minutes from the historic center and the Santa Maria Novella station, and 10 minutes from the airport. Spanning 110,000 square meters in total, the former industrial area is being redeveloped through the construction of shared spaces, co-working hubs, cultural areas, offices, apartments, and a hotel, representing one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in Italy.
Closed for twenty years, the project is situated within the Manifattura Tabacchi regeneration area and consists of a rectangular block with three structural bays built between 1954 and 1956 designed in a modernist style. Originally used as a sales warehouse, it will be completely reimagined, including new student housing to accommodate more than 400 students. Upon completion in 2024, the project expects to achieve LEED Gold certification ensuring it is designed and completed in accordance with the highest international standards of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. This new university residence will offer a rich variety of services including study rooms, studios, gym, yoga room, laundry facilities, and movie theatre, as well as common areas equipped for spending time together.