This Monday, April 3rd marks the beginning of major transformations of the former Saint-Roch Hospital into a future ultramodern security hub. Christian Estrosi visited the site to observe the progress of the colossal project.
“In three weeks, there will be nothing left.” Under a cloud of dust, the Mayor of Nice attended the demolition of the facade of Building G on rue Dellile, a non-historic part of the establishment. The trees will not be touched either: “We are not touching any plants,” he assured. His visit was an opportunity to commend the adherence to deadlines “within 24 hours.” No delays are expected, with the completion scheduled by the second quarter of 2025 by Vinci and its subcontractors. Interior operations began in January involving “dismantling, clearing, and asbestos removal.”
Christian Estrosi also took the opportunity to acknowledge the workers on site. About sixty are already in action. At the peak, there will be 500 workers. In such a large-scale project, the mayor noted that nearly 80% of the companies involved are local. The project aims to be “job-creating” in sectors especially hit by crisis. Currently, there are thirty employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.
A connected and intelligent building
The project, costing 239 million euros, is funded by the State up to 172 million euros. This support will enable it to be “the first illustration in our country of a security continuum.” National and municipal police will be able to work in coordination at a single location with an urban hypervision center,” Christian Estrosi rejoiced. The center promises to incorporate the latest technologies in civil and public security with all kinds of interconnected sensors (traffic, noise, environment, weather, pollution, etc.) and 4,000 video surveillance cameras.
Proud of his first municipal police in France, the chief magistrate does not neglect technology: “What enables us to solve, to apprehend, and to prosecute in courts, is artificial intelligence, these are the images. A well-placed camera that identifies a crime or offense and allows us to capture its perpetrator does the work of ten to fifteen police officers as well.”
An unprecedented mutual project in France and Europe
The site will cover 50,000 m², enough to house both national and municipal police and their numerous services such as the judicial police, IGPN, and the crown jewel of 3,900 m² of the future Police Hotel: the Urban Hypervision and Command Center (CHUC). The site will take on a metropolitan dimension with the integration of the Metropolitan Agency for Health Security, Environmental, and Risk Management (AMSSEGR). 2,000 police officers will work together in this historic building.
Christian Estrosi will host a public meeting this Thursday, April 13th, at 6 p.m. at the Mediterranean University Center. He will present the future phases of the project and respond to questions from neighborhood associations and local stakeholders.