Jean Moucheboeuf and Thierry Venem raise concerns about the transformation of Gare du Sud, which was supposed to be a dynamic gastronomic hall. Changes in activity, reduced hours, and safety issues: they are demanding answers from the city.
Is the Gare du Sud true to its original vocation? This is the question raised yesterday by Jean Moucheboeuf and Thierry Venem, opposition members belonging to Retrouver Nice. On Monday, April 28, in front of the edifice in the Libรฉration neighborhood, they expressed their concerns about what they consider to be a “diversion of the project” led by the municipality. “This place was supposed to become a large gastronomic hall, open every day, and act as a driver for neighborhood life,” recalls Jean Moucheboeuf. “Four years after its opening, we are witnessing a total change of direction: private parties and closed events are organized there, which does not meet the expectations of the locals.“
The two members assert that these new orientations do not align with the terms of the initial lease. “There was a promise of being open 7 days a week,” insists Thierry Venem. “However, the place is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and it only opens from 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Only the weekends meet this commitment,” he laments. They also shed light on the consequences for local businesses: “the idea was to create a local dynamic around Gare du Sud. Now, the irregular activity benefits no one.”
Jean Moucheboeuf: ยซemergency exits are obstructed
Beyond the economic aspect, Jean Moucheboeuf highlights safety issues: “emergency exits are obstructed, there are missing handles on doors, which are sometimes padlocked.” If an incident occurs, evacuation of clients may not be optimal. The municipal councilor continues listing security flaws: “smoke extraction systems are not properly maintained, and the large red curtains in the hall are not fireproof.” Around the building, beer kegs and pallets are piled up. The area serves as storage, which “degrades the beauty of the place.”
The members state that they have submitted their observations to municipal services several times, with no response to date. Thierry Venem claims they will bring it up again during the next city council.
