The University of Bologna announces the definitive acquisition of Palazzo Ricciardelli (formerly Ruffi-Briolini) in Rimini, a University facility leased since 2012. Finalised today, this acquisition marks a strategic turning point for the Rimini Campus, significantly reducing reliance on leased premises and ensuring long-term stability in terms of space for the Department of Life Quality Studies (QUVI).
At the same time, on 11 December the Municipality of Rimini and Uni.Rimini S.p.A. completed the purchase of a new 2,300-square-metre building at the corner of Via Aponia and Via Dante. Part of the building (approximately 1,300 square metres) will be made available to the University of Bologna under a free loan-for-use agreement to meet the teaching, research and student services needs of the Rimini Campus. In this way, the local area renews and strengthens its active and tangible support for university education, a key asset for the attractiveness of Rimini and its province.
The acquisition of Palazzo Ruffi-Briolini is a central element of the University’s strategy to stabilise and harmonise property arrangements across all Romagna campuses. Dating back to the first half of the fifteenth century, the building has housed University offices, classrooms and laboratories since 2012 under a lease agreement, covering a total area of approximately 4,000 square metres.
“This acquisition is not merely a property transaction, but a concrete sign of our commitment to investing in the future of the Rimini Campus,” said Rector Giovanni Molari. “Before this purchase, 32% of the total surface area of the Rimini Campus was occupied under lease agreements—a figure that ran counter to the situation at the other campuses. By consolidating ownership, we now drastically reduce reliance on rented premises in Rimini, ensuring equal conditions in terms of stability and long-term planning for all Romagna campuses.”
The University’s establishment in this historic building was made possible by the initial 2009 agreement with the Briolini family, brokered through Uni.Rimini and with the crucial support of the Municipality of Rimini, in particular Professor Fabio Zavatta, then Councillor for Public Works and Deputy Mayor with direct responsibility for the development of the university district, as well as Vice President of Uni.Rimini with the same remit. He oversaw relations with the owner, Dr Cesare Briolini, and followed the refurbishment works carried out by Uni.Rimini.
“The acquisition of Palazzo Ruffi-Briolini and the availability of the new Via Aponia building,” said Rimini Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad and Deputy Mayor Chiara Bellini, “mark an important milestone in the consolidation of the Rimini Campus. Thanks to the investments of the Municipal Administration and the University of Bologna, with Uni.Rimini playing a strategic role, the University continues to act as a driver of cultural, social and economic growth for the city and the entire province. These are far-sighted choices, the result of a clear vision and a development strategy aimed at making Rimini increasingly attractive and international, as demonstrated by the many young people who choose to study here and build their future. These initiatives complement those already underway at the Technopole, in student housing and in student services, forming a coherent framework of investments that strengthens the university district and prepares it for new challenges and opportunities. The University in Rimini is a value and an extraordinary opportunity for the entire area, and as such deserves firm and continued support.”
The University’s objective, in collaboration with Uni.Rimini and the Municipality, is to complete a shared process in the coming months that will gradually convert the remaining leased premises in Rimini into free loan-for-use arrangements, thus ensuring full operational stability across all Campus locations.
“We at Uni.Rimini are particularly pleased to have completed this operation, which will allow the University of Bologna to reduce the impact of passive rental costs at the Rimini Campus,” said Simone Badioli, President of Uni.Rimini S.p.A. “Above all, it will enable the University to establish an even more stable and permanent presence in our city. Over the years, Uni.Rimini has provided significant support for the space requirements of degree programmes and research departments by making available, free of charge, not only this new Via Aponia building but also the approximately 600-square-metre premises in Piazza Malatesta. Uni.Rimini intends to continue supporting teaching, scientific research and the Technopole, with the aim of strengthening a university system that currently serves around 5,000 students and making it increasingly interconnected with the city and its economic fabric.”
