On the eve of a new year, Mayor Christian Estrosi wished to provide an update on the development of major projects in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis territory. Here’s a look back at some key points.
On Thursday, December 15, 2022, the mayor gathered with representatives from the Nice hospitality sector and the economic world. The occasion was to demonstrate that the announced projects are progressing according to the established schedule.
2008-2022: the continuation of a long-term vision for the territory
First and foremost, the mayor announced the continuation of programs in all fields in 2022, in accordance with the schedule set years ago:
- The transport plan for 2040: BHNS (High Service Level Bus), T4 and T5, cable car…
- The Climate Plan for 2026, 2030, and then 2050
- The climate security plan
- The development of the EcoVallée International Operations Scheme: delivery of the Trades and Apprenticeship Campus, ISART schools, Simplon, School 42, Centrale…
MIN move compromised
Christian Estrosi also announced an ongoing review to end the public-private partnership that linked the Metropolis to the Société du Nouveau MIN D’Azur and Bouygues for the construction of the future MIN. However, this change does not challenge the transfer or the modernization of the wholesalers’ production tool.
New Exhibition and Congress Center
Regarding the progress of the new Exhibition and Congress Center, the first delivery phase is set for 2025, and the second for 2027. The construction of this new facility, with high environmental performance, will provide larger spaces with services better suited to congress organizers.
Since the congress period is mainly concentrated in spring and fall, summer and winter event policies will be strengthened. Thus, the metropolitan tourism office is working on a large communication campaign called “Nice in Winter” starting in January 2023. This will help attract higher quality tourism and unify attendance throughout the year.
Bowling and cinematheque relocated
The cinematheque will not disappear. This facility has been complementary to commercial cinema offerings since 1976, with a significant collection of cult films, heritage elements, and retrospectives. It will be permanently relocated by 2027 while continuing its activities at the MEGARAMA from 2023 until the end of 2026.
Regarding the bowling center, negotiations with the current manager for vacating the premises are underway, with a decision expected at the next municipal council meeting in early 2023 to approve the protocol.
Major events in Nice
Sporting events are recurrent in Nice, and they bring pride to our territory:
- Paris-Nice from March 10 to 12, broadcast in 170 countries
- The Half Marathon on April 30 with 8,500 registered and 35 nations represented
- Ironman and Ironman 70.3 on June 25 with over 500 professional and amateur participants from 70 nationalities
- The Alpes-Maritimes Marathon on November 5, the 2nd largest marathon in France
Additionally, new sports-related events are expected for 2023, 2024, and 2025:
- The National Congress of the French Ski Federation on June 9 and 10, 2023
- The Rugby World Cup from September 8 to October 28, 2023
- The Ultra Trail from September 28 to October 1, 2023
- Certain events of the 2024 Olympic Games in July 2024
In January next year, the mayor will present more details on the full range of future international sports events, in addition to the historic arrival of the Tour de France in 2024.
Apart from sports opportunities, Nice hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors during internationally renowned popular events:
- Nice Carnival: 200,000 spectators expected over the 2 weeks
- Nice Jazz Festival: over 40,000 festival-goers annually
- In July 2023, two major concerts at the Allianz Riviera featuring The Weekend and Mylène Farmer, attracting 40,000 spectators.
