Investment & Fund Management
including the European Investment
Full Credential Description
Ginkgo Advisors identified a significant urban challenge in Florence, where the influx of 13 million tourists annually has exacerbated the housing crisis in a city with only 350,000 residents. The firm focused on transforming a neglected brownfield site, the former Officine Grandi Riparazioni train depot, into a sustainable community. This eight-hectare site, located just 15 minutes from the city center and adjacent to Florences largest public park, presented an opportunity to alleviate housing shortages while addressing environmental concerns.
The tailored solution involved a comprehensive redevelopment plan that includes residential properties, student housing, a hotel, a cultural center, and retail spaces. Ginkgo Advisors emphasized the importance of financial viability, environmental responsibility, and social impact in their projects. They faced complex challenges, including navigating local politics and administrative hurdles, which are often deterrents for other companies in the sector. However, Ginkgo's commitment to sustainable urban regeneration aims to prevent the site from remaining a polluted, neglected area for another decade.
Through their partnership with private and institutional investors, including the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), Ginkgo Advisors is managing 28 projects across six European countries, showcasing their capability to tackle urban growth issues effectively. The Florence project not only aims to revitalize the area but also serves as a model for future urban regeneration initiatives in Europe.