Roma Village to Reopen in Sant’Oreste This October With 800 New Jobs

The former Soratte outlet complex in Sant’Oreste, Lazio, is set to reopen as a redeveloped retail and leisure destination known as Roma Village by the end of October 2026, creating approximately 800 new jobs, including opportunities for workers from the nearby Rieti province.

The redevelopment, confirmed by local municipal sources and reported by Italian business news outlet Il Messaggero, transforms the previously underutilized outlet site into a mixed-use village format featuring retail stores, dining establishments, entertainment zones, and public spaces. The project aims to revitalize the area economically while serving both local residents and visitors from Rome and surrounding regions.

According to the report, the 800 positions will span a range of roles in retail operations, hospitality, customer service, logistics, and facility management. A significant portion of these jobs are expected to be filled by residents of Sant’Oreste and neighboring municipalities in the Rieti area, addressing regional employment needs in a zone that has faced economic challenges in recent years.

Local officials have emphasized the project’s potential to stimulate ancillary economic activity, including increased demand for transportation, maintenance, and supply chain services. The redevelopment aligns with broader regional strategies to repurpose commercial real estate outside major urban centers, reducing pressure on Rome’s core while promoting balanced territorial development.

The original Soratte outlet, which opened in the early 2000s, had seen declining foot traffic and tenant turnover in the years leading to its closure. The Roma Village concept represents a strategic shift from traditional outlet modeling toward an experiential, community-oriented destination, incorporating green spaces, pedestrian-friendly design, and cultural programming as part of its long-term vision.

While specific tenant announcements and investment figures have not been publicly disclosed as of mid-April 2026, municipal sources indicate that negotiations with national and international retail brands are underway. The phased reopening is expected to begin in late October, with full operations anticipated by early 2027.

The project has received support from the Lazio regional administration as part of its incentives for productive reuse of commercial zones and job creation in inland provinces. No public funding details or private investment totals have been confirmed in available reports.