**A few weeks before the municipal elections in March 2026, the future of the Auvare barracks in the Saint-Roch district of Nice has become a campaign issue. The candidates propose very different projects for this historic site, including sports, housing, culture, and ecological transition.**
For **Hélène Granouillac**, head of the **Vivre Nice** list, the **Auvare barracks** could become a **village of craftsmanship and ecological transition**. The project aims at **training**, **transmitting know-how**, integrating **ecology** into professions, and **supporting the local economy**. No **housing** or **budget** has been specified at this stage.
The **Unis pour Nice** list (a left-wing union of PS, PCF, and Greens) proposes a **29,000 m² multifunctional area**, which includes a **15,000 m² sports area** (gymnasium, climbing wall, football and basketball fields) and a **1,200-seat theater**. The project includes around **100 student, intergenerational, and social housing units**. The budget is estimated between **14 and 16 million euros for sports** and between **40 and 60 million euros for the theater** (Unis pour Nice program).
**Christian Estrosi**, the outgoing mayor, advocates for the construction of a **large multi-sport hall**. According to the City of Nice, a **citizen consultation** indicated that **85% of Niçois would be in favor**. The stated goal is to meet local demand for **sports facilities**.
For **Éric Ciotti**, head of the **UDR-RN** list, the Auvare barracks could host the **Olympic village for the 2030 Winter Olympics**. After the Games, the site would be transformed into a **university campus**, with **student housing** and some **housing for workers** to ensure sustainable redevelopment.
Now aligned with Éric Ciotti, **Jean-Marc Governatori**, opposition municipal and metropolitan councilor, shared that he discussed with him about **post-Olympics**. He supports a project to **rehabilitate existing buildings**, with about **100 housing units**, **thermal renovation**, and development of the site’s **energy autonomy**. *”The basic principle is that we don’t destroy, we repair,”* he stated during his **press conference** before joining the **UDR-RN** list.
## **Residents divided over the site’s future**
In the Saint-Roch district, interviewed residents express varied expectations.
For Cathy Degioannini, a shopkeeper, the priority remains **sports**. *”A multi-sport hall is good. I think it’s a great idea.”* She also highlights the difficulties of **parking** in the area: *”I’ve been here for 32 years. It’s catastrophic.”*
Kelvin, a local resident, regrets a lack of access to **existing facilities**: *”Not all infrastructures are open to the general public.”*
For Angélique, the district mainly lacks **facilities for young people**. *”They took away our theater and cinema.”* She mentions the need for **cinemas, theaters, bowling alleys, and sports fields** to continue revitalizing the neighborhood.
In contrast, Virginie believes that **housing** should take precedence over everything else. *”We need more housing than sports halls. Housing is vital.”*
