Many were present at the city hall this Thursday to learn about the future of the iconic site in the Libération neighborhood.
Since its inauguration 3 years ago, the hall of the Gare du Sud has faced numerous setbacks and never managed to meet expectations. In recent months, the project seemed to be completely halted and a change of operator was anticipated.
Four months ago, a statement from Christian Estrosi confirmed the end of the collaboration with the site’s operator, Urban Renaissance (“They don’t have the means… Every passing day is a day where URD sinks further into difficulties with its shareholders. The story is going to end.”). Today, the mayor of Nice announced that a new operator has been found.
The family group IERA, led by Renato Iera, has been selected by the Municipality to take over the hall.
A group well-known to the people of Nice and the Côte d’Azur since it owns the IT, IT Villagio, and Strada brands, which are well-established in the region. The group is also successful worldwide, employing over 1200 people in more than 70 restaurants in Europe and North America. In Nice, about 280 people will be employed at the Gare du Sud.
Their project Mediterraneo is based on a concept that celebrates Mediterranean cuisines. “Our cuisine will reflect the Mediterranean basin: Lebanese, Spanish, Eastern, Greek, Italian, and obviously from Nice. A sincere, popular, and authentic cuisine. Traditional recipes, fresh and quality products, affordable pricing.”
Nevertheless, the venue will not be entirely dedicated to gastronomy. Estrosi and Iera have announced that an art space will be set up where exhibitions, shows, and concerts will be held. “I want to make the Gare du Sud a place of life, awakening, entertainment, embedded in the city-neighborhood of Libé. On the upper floor, there will be spaces dedicated to cultural and artistic associations of the neighborhood and an incubator for cooking enthusiasts.”
The proposed concept is not the only argument put forward by IERA. Indeed, the group has the advantage of already being familiar with the site as it previously owned a restaurant there. There is also a financial advantage, as IERA is presenting with its own funds without external investors (revenue of 42 million euros in 2021 despite the health crisis). Christian Estrosi mentions that it is also the determination of Renato Iera, “that of a true entrepreneur,” which allowed him to place his trust in him once again. The founder of IT had presented the concept and project he had envisioned in 2018, during his initial visit to the site.
Before this new era for the Halle de la Gare du Sud can begin, the Mediterraneo project must first be approved by the municipal council.
