The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a loan of EUR29 million (US$33.2 million) with Ospedal Grando S.p.A., to support the design, construction and operation of the new Cittadella della Salutewithin the Ca' Foncello Hospital in Treviso. Ospedal Grando will operate under a 21-year concession agreed with the local health authority, Azienda Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria (AULSS) n. 2 Marca Trevigiana.

The agreement was successfully granted with the support of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). The EFSI is the central pillar of the European Commission's Investment Plan for Europe, the so-called "Juncker Plan".

The loan agreement will finance the refurbishment of some existing buildings and the construction of new facilities. These will include an enhanced medical centre with almost 1,000 beds and new research and logistical centres. The new and refurbished buildings will comply with the latest safety and anti-seismic structural regulations, as well as higher energy standards allowing for savings and CO2 emissions reduction.

The loan signed will be complemented by a second loan of EUR39 million (US$44.64 million) in favor of the AULSS, aimed at funding a portion of public grants assigned to this project. This brings the total EIB support to the new Cittadella della Salute project to EUR68 million (US$77.83 million). Moreover, it is the first time that the financial benefits deriving from EIB’s lower cost of funding compared to other financers are allocated in favour of social impact initiatives.