The oblique lines of Bernard Venet pose a challenge during the work on the Sulzer space. This Thursday, Patrick Allemand held a conference about the future relocation of the statue.
Bernard Venet’s nine oblique lines, located on the Sulzer space, are expected to be relocated soon… a few meters from their original location. On the central median of the Quai des Etats-Unis, to be precise. A choice long criticized by the socialist elected officials of Nice. This Thursday, Patrick Allemand, Municipal Councilor and president of the Change of Era group, held a conference to express his group’s opinion.
An old debate
The debate about the statue’s future location already took place between June 25, 2010, and May 18, 2011, explains Patrick Allemand. At that time, Christian Estrosi had written that “the place the municipal council gave it unanimously does not need to be reconsidered today.” A turnaround in 2012, with the construction of an underground parking lot with 400 spaces beneath the statue’s current location. “They say the statue is suffocated by the buildings,” wonders Patrick Allemand, “but why put it there when they knew they were going to put a parking lot there?.” The installation of the monument has already cost the city nearly 280,000 euros in 2010. It would cost the same to move it.
Facing the centennial monument
For Patrick Allemand, the future location (which will be the final one) on the Quai des Etats-Unis will cause traffic issues, “it is a place that incurs maximum cost and maximum inconvenience.” He also suggests placing it facing the centennial monument, by the sea, offering good visibility from all corners of the Baie des Anges. “It’s a place where it will be in its element,” he predicts, “[Christian Estrosi] will eventually come around. He will wait a year.”
