The construction of the future Congress Center of the Nice port begins this Monday, January 6th. This large-scale project promises a rapid construction and innovative uses, with the aim of hosting major events starting in 2025.
This Monday, the first phase of the Congress Center construction starts at the site of the old port breakwater parking lot. This emblematic location, inaccessible to vehicles since September, will give way to a modern infrastructure. The work, planned until April, is part of an ambitious schedule. François Bertrand, General Manager of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis services, explains: “We have opted for a quick method, with prefabricated elements that will be assembled on site, like a Lego set.”
The initial step involved the deconstruction of the old parking lot and the removal of asbestos from the site. In total, 10,000 tons of rubble were generated, entirely reused for other construction projects in the region. Some discoveries, such as a door giving access to a tunnel under the already known Castle Hill in certain archives, highlighted this phase.
Three buildings must be constructed in five months: a maritime station, a storage area, and a large hall. The site will then be delivered by April 30th to host the United Nations Ocean Conference, scheduled from June 9th to 13th.
International Events From 2025
The Congress Center of the Nice port will play a strategic role in the city’s attractiveness. The Ocean Conference, bringing together 30,000 delegates, will be the occasion to sign the “Nice Agreements” on marine biodiversity.
Mayor Christian Estrosi is pleased with the generated dynamism: “The booking list is filling up quickly.” In September, the Grand Pavois, a major international boat show, will be held for the first time in the Mediterranean. In October, a tourism summit organized by Atout France will follow.
The site will also play a key role during the next Winter Olympic Games. Nice will be the center for media hubs to cover the southern and northern alpine competitions.
The Congress Center incorporates innovations to meet ecological challenges. The infrastructures will allow ships to use the port’s electrical network, significantly reducing gas emissions during stopovers.
The project, both economic and environmental, redraws a strategic aspect of the Nice port. It aims to open up to multiple uses and international challenges.