Torbole Seeks Redevelopment of Pavese Building for Community Use
Like in Pavia? Bowling, swimming pool, fitness center, squash courts, at least a presentable event hall, a small foreign-language cinema, beach services, a youth hostel, multipurpose rooms for small conferences. These are just a few examples of the services missing in Torbole.
The position of the association and institutions
Claudio Nodari, Councillor of the Alto Garda e Ledro hoteliers association, strongly disapproves of Cirillo Tonelli and his electoral list’s idea of replacing the “Pavese” building with a botanical garden. “It’s normal for a completely abandoned building, used as a sanitarium for 40 years and in a state of squalid degradation for the past 20, to appear as an ugly monster in the minds of those who have always seen it that way.
— Nodari began — But if a private entrepreneur were to acquire that property, they would never think of demolishing it. Instead, they would know how to make it profitable, even taking on the burden of management aimed more at providing services for the community than mere real estate speculation. It is a huge socio-eco-touristic shortsight to even consider demolishing it. We would be doing a grave disservice to our children, fellow citizens, and tourists. And we do not expect wise advice from Riva or Arco, friends yes, but also our main competitors.”
Development proposals and alternatives
Nodari recalls that the association he is part of has carefully analyzed the huge infrastructural potential and services of the property complex. “It’s a great opportunity for development.” He suggests a management model with private capital and public oversight. “The future of Torbole needs imagination, but also courage, because today the community is increasingly seeking social spaces, and the competition from tourist destinations is ever more fierce. Torbole cannot rest on its laurels.”
The hotel councilor then mentions all the indoor public entertainment services that a hotel alone could not provide: bowling, swimming pools… those mentioned above. Additionally, a windsurfing museum, traditional restaurants, event services, and spaces for associations.
After years of controversy, an agreement was reached under the Parolari administration: despite planning to demolish one floor (we wanted a small lakeside auditorium), the Pavese would have been renovated and left for our children, who might have better ideas than turning it into a municipal building. Now, do we want total demolition? In my opinion, that’s an insult to those proposing it and to the initiative many of our elders took at the beginning of the twentieth century to promote tourism in Torbole.”