The oppositions were quick to react after the broadcast of the communication from the Mayor of Nice regarding the latest part of the South Station redevelopment project.
Patrick Allemand demonstrates constructive opposition by expressing support for this new version and focuses on another matter, the redevelopment of the Ray stadium.
Gaël Nofri, on the other hand, remains verbally aggressive and slams Christian Estrosi’s decision as “dishonest and a persistent mistake” in both substance and form: the sale of a space purchased for 12 million euros and handed over to the developer for 1 symbolic euro (editor’s note: with an investment obligation) and the lack of consultation with the opposition. His will be a dissenting vote.
Declaration of Patrick Allemand (Group A Different Future for Nice)
Following the latest development concerning the South Station, I ask the Mayor of Nice to integrate the South Station project into a genuine overall vision for North Nice, encompassing the Liberation and Ray sites.
After Jean Claude Mari’s withdrawal, the developer ICADE is taking up the initial project again to rebuild the Hall and create the parking, housing, and film complex.
Fifteen days ago, I expressed concern over the abandonment of this project and particularly the non-realization of the cinemas and housing. I can only be delighted by the return of the initial project, which will specifically allow the realization of a cinema complex and housing, including student social housing in the South Station district.
I also highlighted the necessity of having a coherent urban planning project for North Nice, associating the South Station and the future of the Ray Site. Today more than ever, I advocate for the creation of a large green space at the Ray site.
The recent position of the Mayor of Nice on the South Station has shown that he had financial resources available for this project. He no longer needs them. The 28 million euros promised must remain in North Nice and serve exclusively for the conversion of the Ray into a green lung.
Declaration of Gaël Nofri (Independent Nice Elected Officials Group)
The announcement of the return of the South Station project by the Mayor of Nice demonstrates conscious dishonesty and a persistence in error.
Dishonesty because there is no longer any doubt that the legality of the project is in question, which is why the Mayor of Nice aims at all costs to remove his project from judicial oversight. Indeed, how can it be conceived that the sale of space bought for 12 million euros by the City can be transferred to a private entity for commercialization for one symbolic euro?
Persistence in error because the proposed project in no way meets the needs of the district, neither in terms of parking capacity—so essential—nor in terms of economic vitality. Given the available space, the presence of the Liberation market, and its geographic situation, the area of the South Station is destined to become an economic engine and a bulwark against the impoverishment of our City Center.
From the Municipal Council on the 24th, I will oppose this scandalous decision taken without consultation with the opposition and without reflection on the interests of the City and the Metropolis…
