“The arrival of the tramway will improve the quality of life and enhance the attractiveness of this vibrant neighborhood. While respecting the identity of the areas it crosses, the tramway will give ample space to pedestrians and will enhance the appeal of this commercial sector.” This is what the city hall announced four years ago for Avenue de la République, and today, six months after the start of operation of Line 1, Nice Premium went to meet four business owners representing the neighborhood to see if there has been a “tramway effect.”
For Gabrielle and Julien, sellers at the leather goods store Bemon, which has been in the neighborhood for 30 years, “the tramway hasn’t really brought any changes, it has certainly generated a lot of foot traffic but nothing extraordinary; people prefer large complexes like Cap 3000.” Emile from the bar Le Pressoir, sees no positive impact, “people are just passing through, yes, but only on the tramway,” his business is currently running at a loss, and he is ready to close if the situation does not improve in the coming months. Everyone agrees that creating a free parking space is necessary, “people drive around for an hour and then leave, desperate.”
Gabrielle thinks “it’s time for the city council to stop with the overpriced paid parking spots,” but it’s also “the mentality of the people of Nice” they are questioning, “people have a hard time adapting, they need time to find their bearings again, the construction work has turned everything upside down, our customers have moved towards the heart of Nice: Avenue Jean Médecin and its surroundings.”
For Cyril, manager of the fast-food restaurant Mezzo di Pasta, a major brand needs to set up shop there, “the neighborhood is not very appealing, we’ve built squares but nothing happens there, no events, not even an old lady coming to feed the pigeons!” According to him, a complete renovation of the neighborhood’s facades would even be desirable. As for Alexandre Gasiglia of the armory of the same name, after living for three years in the midst of his “Beirut,” he chose to make up for the lack of sales by expanding online with the opening of a weapons mail order website.
Finally, everyone notes a single positive point, the tramway has provided better visibility for their businesses, and all hope that in a few months, more people from Nice will head towards this beautiful avenue, giving it a new lease on life.
When the République dreams of becoming a Niçoise Avenue again!
