With the construction of the grand stadium in the Var plain and the relocation of OGC Nice to this new sports facility, the mythical Stade du Ray becomes the focus of a decision that will need to be made in the upcoming months.
But the “Ray” is not only about OGC Nice, it is also the home of other sports clubs, notably the fencing club, which must be considered to preserve sporting and social activities.
This is also an opportunity to reflect on the development of this vast area in the neighborhood located in the north of the city.
Patrick Mottard (General Councilor of Nice’s 5th canton where the Stade du Ray is located) has an idea of what could become of the post-Stade du Ray:
“Today, the future of the Stade du Ray site is an important issue that concerns not only the surrounding neighborhoods but also all the residents of Nice. This site, due to its size, configuration, and history, is among the last remaining large spaces that can and should contribute to the development of our city and our living environment. It will be one of our major projects,” said Christian Estrosi during the presentation of this dossier to all the entitled parties.
To continue and conclude: “This area deserves thorough consideration, but we will not make the 7 hectares of the Stade du Ray solely a neighborhood facility, especially when some suggested only a vast green space.” The Ray will not remain unused. We will create shops and public facilities. But I commit to ensuring that these do not exceed the current size of the stadium. Upon the approval of our PLU, I wanted to enhance the protection of this site by creating a protection perimeter (study perimeter) that will remain valid until we have validated a common project.”
Present as a representative of the sports world, Jean-Paul Serra, president of CDOS 06, also shares his thoughts and wishes:
”This area should be a place of life. It could be the heart of a neighborhood with both sports and non-sports facilities. I am in favor of building a 3,000-seat Sports Palace where all disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, handball, and hockey, which today suffer from a lack of modern and attractive facilities for their development towards a demanding public and commercial partners, could find their place.”
After much speculation, today, the time has come to start reflecting on the future of the Stade du Ray site.
Will there truly be no additional housing and commercial spaces?
Will there truly be no real estate projects presented as serving the general interest to legitimize them and distance them from a mere financial objective?
We are keenly awaiting the result… To be continued!
