The municipality of Villefranche-sur-Mer has just begun the preliminary consultation for the approval of its PLU. This local urban planning plan shapes the next 20 years and aims to achieve three major objectives: Preserve the quality of life, solve the housing equation for workers, and ensure the city’s economic future.
Preserving the quality of life is at the heart of the new PLU’s deliberation. Villefranche has thus decided to protect all green and natural areas within its territory, as they appear on the current Land Use Plan. Even better, at the core of the eco-neighborhood project, a new landscaped area called a “remarkable garden” has been created, and a green corridor including the plateau of the Rafle Club, the surroundings of the stadium, and the Binon garden will be developed. A landscaped and sports park will be born in the very center of the town to the great delight of the people of Villefranche.
The quality of life also involves addressing the parking issue in a city where the old town is pedestrianized, and the main center was built with little or no underground parking. Many projects have been developed over the last 30 years, but nothing has been accomplished. Thanks to the determination of the Mayor of Villefranche, an ambitious parking plan is scheduled for 2012, and within 3 years it will provide solutions to everyone’s expectations.
The projects
In spring 2012, delivery of 81 parking spaces at Barmassa.
The station parking is in the process of obtaining a building permit. Currently, Villefranche’s station is inaccessible to the majority as it is the only one on the Azure Coast without a parking lot for users. Around a hundred spaces will soon be allocated to it.
The Wilson parking will be built by Nice Côte d’Azur, with a call for tenders ongoing, ensuring 350 underground spaces for the sustainability of old town businesses and providing a solution for its residents.
The post office parking will offer 200 spaces and ensure the survival of downtown businesses.
Finally, the eco-neighborhood of the Octroi will provide a concentration parking accessible directly from the low corniche at the Malmaison intersection and the North Africa fighters; but also a parking beneath the gas field aimed at opening up the Darse district, its port, and its university.
The size of these parking lots will be negotiated with the residents and users of the Darse, and the public inquiry will allow them to express their opinions.
The effort put forth is unparalleled in recent history and will be complemented by implementing a suitable pricing policy with citizens to ensure that everyone can benefit from these investments.
The future is on the way in Villefranche-sur-Mer!
