Nostalgic atmosphere as Deputy Mayor Christian Estrosi begins his presentation on the redevelopment project of the Gare du Sud. “It’s been 28 years since there’s been any movement,” lamented the city’s chief magistrate, who recalls the vibrancy of this part of town and the allure of its station. A true heritage of Nice, the Gare du Sud has been listed in the inventory of historical monuments since 2002, along with the Halles (remnants of the Austria-Hungary pavilion built by Gustave Eiffel during the Universal Exhibition in Paris).
The aim for the Mayor of Nice is thus to rehabilitate these two iconic symbols of the Azurean region in a neighborhood that has so far been forgotten. The facade will be restored (with contributions from the State) and the Halles, currently stored in the old slaughterhouses of Nice, will be brought together to form a large covered market. The market gardeners and residents of Liberation will also see 2 hectares of land redeveloped in the future junction of tram lines 1, 2, and 3. The tracks leaving from the Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence, just steps away, will make the “connection.”
“Break the railway boundary to the north of Jean Médecin”
Rudy Sales summarizes Christian Estrosi’s initiative to energize “the historic center of Nice” and “return to the roots.” For the municipal team, this area must become “the continuation of the buzz created by Jean Médecin.”
They aim to prevent the locals from having only one route that leads from Nice Etoile to the Promenade des Anglais.
To achieve this, the new Libération covered market will have a 900-space underground parking lot, a versatile sports and cultural complex in the basement, and a community police station (combining municipal and national police).
Finally, a multiplex theatre with 10 screens will complete the rehabilitation project envisaged by Christian Estrosi, in conjunction with stores attached to the complex. He opposed the multiplex at Arénas (which was to have 29 cinema screens) “because that would be the death of the cinemas on Jean Médecin.”
Set for completion in 2013 with an initial budget of 50 million euros
After a period of reflection and public consultations, construction is expected to begin in July 2011, with delivery in July 2013.
The total cost of the work is estimated at 50 million euros. The final cost to the taxpayers is estimated at 10 million euros. To reduce the expense, the city of Nice will sell the land to the winner of the tender. The latter will recover its investment by reselling the completed facilities, such as the 900-space underground parking, the media library, the shops, etc. The city will retain public spaces like the Halles and the sports area.
