The grand opening of Maximall Pompeii, the latest and largest shopping center to hit Southern Italy, took place on December 14, 2024. Strategically located just 600 meters from the famed archaeological site of Pompei, this expansive cultural hub promises to revitalize the area of Torre Annunziata, creating numerous job opportunities and boosting tourism.
At the helm of the ceremony, which commenced punctually at 10:30 AM, was Paolo Negri, the CEO of IrgenRE, the firm behind this ambitious project. Accompanied by local authorities, including Vincenzo De Luca, the President of Campania, Negri remarked on the significance of the development: “Oggi è la prima tappa, partiamo con la struttura commerciale, quella più importante. Il Maximall è un hub turistico, vogliamo accogliere in maniera più completa il turista facendogli vivere un'esperienza...,” highlighting the center's dual role as both shopping paradise and tourist attraction.
Maximall Pompeii stands out with over 200,000 square meters of space, housing more than 150 stores and around 30 restaurants catering to varied culinary tastes. Some notable brands include Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, and local culinary delights from Gino Sorbillo and Casa Caldarelli. Not just limited to retail and dining, the complex is poised to become the cultural nucleus of the region, with plans for events, performances, and activities intended to engage visitors of all generations.
“È un grande investimento, 1500 dipendenti diretti della struttura. Diventa un attrattore turistico per Torre Annunziata e per tutta la Regione Campania,” stated De Luca during the inauguration, emphasizing how the center is expected to channel tourists not only to Maximall but also to the historic sites of Pompei and the surrounding area. The envisioned long-term effect is concrete: bringing life back to the local economy through stable employment and enhanced visitor engagement.
The total investment for the Maximall project exceeded €200 million, with funding directed not only toward creating commercial spaces but also developing the necessary infrastructure for accessibility. Key to this project's success is ensuring efficient transport links, with easy access from major highways and public transport connections.
Mayor Corrado Cuccurullo celebrated the project, stating, “Il Parco Commerciale Maximall Pompeii rappresenta un nuovo inizio per Torre Annunziata e mi auguro rappresenti la scintilla per una più ampia rigenerazione urbana.” The center is seen as the catalyst for broader economic resurgence, healing urban scars left by years of industrial neglect.
Coupled with the shopping and dining experiences, Maximall will also introduce entertainment facilities, like outdoor amphitheaters for events and multimedia displays, blending consumerism with cultural engagement.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the complex will house 1,000 trees to help rejuvenate the local environment. It’s not just about economic incentives; there’s also significant emphasis on ecological responsibility. The center was built according to modern sustainable principles, ensuring it meets the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations.
Visitors and tourists will benefit from designated transportation services, including bus drop-off points and direct connections to local attractions such as the coastal areas and tourist hotspots, enhancing Maximall's appeal as a gateway to the Mediterranean experiences.
This development is seen as not simply opening doors to retail opportunities but as setting the stage for Torre Annunziata's transformation from a quiet town to a vibrant hub where culture and commerce meet. With the promise of spurring economic growth and community involvement, Maximall Pompeii embodies the vision of what new investment can mean for the South.
“Oggi è la prima tappa, partiamo con la struttura commerciale; il nostro obiettivo è generare un Pil positivo,” affirmed Negri, reflecting on the potential positive impacts of Maximall on the local economy, and igniting optimism about the future of Torre Annunziata.
The Maximall Pompeii center is not just another shopping destination; it’s set to change the narrative of Torre Annunziata, transforming it from ruins of industrial decline to a cornerstone of regional renaissance. With its symbolic ribbon cutting, the town steps boldly onto the path of urban renewal and economic revitalization.
