Biella earmarks €1.3 million for historic centre revamp and cultural events

The Biella municipal council approved its 2026 funding guidelines, allocating €50,000 in ordinary contributions for cultural, artistic, tourism and city‑animation projects. Grants of up to €3,000 per initiative – or €5,000 for two standout projects – will support free events, heritage‑valuing activities and innovative programmes. Mayor Marco Panieri (and mayoral representative Marzio Olivero) said the investment aims to strengthen community identity and attract visitors.

A broader revitalisation plan for Biella’s historic centre was also disclosed, with a total budget exceeding €1.25 million. About €976,500 will fund public‑space upgrades, including the second phase of the Giardini di San Domenico restoration. €100,000 is set aside for a grant scheme assisting local shops with façade, accessibility and innovation improvements, targeting vacant premises and youth‑ and women‑led enterprises. An additional €180,000 will cover promotion, marketing and the operation of a new historic‑centre hub, which will host an observatory for data collection, training and stakeholder dialogue.