Pascal Gauthier assumes the role of General Director of the Public Establishment for the Development of the Var Plain in a context of initiating the operational phase of the Éco-Vallée National Interest Operation (OIN), with the signing last August of the decrees for the creation of the Nice Méridia and Grand Arénas ZACs, and the initial deconstruction works related to the completion of the Grand Arénas and the Nice Airport multimodal exchange hub, which have just been launched.
The challenge of the Var Plain OIN is strategic in nature and significant in scope. It involves shaping the future Nice with a metropolitan perspective rather than merely being a city of moderate size. Its appeal must meet international standards and face increasingly tough competition.
How many other regions have equipped themselves with similar infrastructures and are actively working to make them powerful levers for national and international investments? The sun and sea, certainly significant assets, are no longer sufficient, much like an international airport, which is necessary but not sufficient on its own.
The competence of the teams and expertise are needed to ensure the offering matches the ambitions. A national interest operation must not be reduced to the expansion of shopping centers and a few start-ups. It must transform the socio-economic fabric of the territory within a global context. As they say in these cases, it needs to be substantial. Beware of the crafty “made in France” tinkerers!
