The Coulée Verte was presented as a comprehensive project focused on the development of a large urban park between the National Theatre of Nice and the sea, on the sites of the hanging gardens housing the current bus station and the parking lot (which are to be demolished and relocated), the Leclerc square, the Masséna Space, and the Albert I garden.
The development project covers an area of 12 hectares which includes:
– The current Bus Station site (including the hanging gardens) which will be demolished in 2011,
– The current Parking Lot site (including the hanging gardens) which will be demolished in 2012-2013,
– Leclerc Square,
– Masséna Space and Jacques Médecin forum,
– Albert I Garden
The main development orientations chosen are:
A green lung, in the heart of the city: Creating a green lung that takes its place as a large urban park in the heart of the city where various activities can be enjoyed.
A link between Old Nice and the 19th-century City: Creating a link that restores coherence between the river’s geography and the urban organization developed on both banks: it will be important to incorporate the project perimeter into a facade-to-facade reflection that considers the relationships between streets and public spaces on the left and right banks.
A model of sustainable development: Committing to an approach of environmental quality and sustainable development.
A place of conviviality and well-being, a place of life and entertainment: Making this large urban park a place of life where it is pleasant to walk, linger, and be entertained in a quality landscaped environment.
Spaces dedicated to festive events, games, art, and culture: Organizing spaces in the urban park dedicated to activities: festive events, children’s games, artistic and cultural projects.
The project manager will rethink the sites to be redeveloped globally to create a “green corridor,” that is, a continuous green urban park, from the National Theatre of Nice to the sea.
A promenade will connect the various sites traversed in a quality landscaped context. The walker should have the impression of strolling in a tree-lined park away from the car traffic. They will be invited to cross the urban park rather than move along the avenues, on the sidewalks.
Therefore, attention will be paid to the creation of green spaces with suitable plant density.
The sites will each have a defined role as follows:
Albert I Garden and Leclerc Square: spaces dedicated exclusively to gardens (except the Theatre de Verdure: concert venue).
Masséna Space and Jacques Médecin forum: a major venue for organizing all festive events.
Current Bus Station and Parking Lot sites: spaces dedicated to art, culture, and games.
Provisional Schedule
2nd half of 2011: Start of urban park construction
September 2013: Completion of the works
Cost
The amount for the green corridor’s landscaping and development works: 40 million Euros including tax
