Ikea wanted to establish itself on the Côte d’Azur, and in a way, the locals were hoping for the arrival of the Swedish-origin distributor who, over the years, has become a “global player” with, incidentally, its founder being one of the richest men in the world, prudently domiciled for tax purposes in Switzerland.
After a failed attempt and numerous controversies in Mougins and some other options in Nice (some real, others simply fanciful), the secret, which had been an open secret for some time, was revealed by Christian Estrosi.
The Eco-district of Saint-Isidore will be the location for this Ikea, which will be very different from the classic “shoebox” we know. Indeed, Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the architect and designer of the Allianz Riviera, in charge of the architectural project of the Eco-district, will accompany Ikea on this ambitious path.
A protocol of intent was signed between Christian Estrosi and the General Manager of Ikea France, Stefan Vanoverbeke.
The IKEA project is part of the development of this sector (Eco-district Saint-Isidore), an 8-hectare area that plans for the construction of housing, services, and shops, and will feature integration with notably high energy performance buildings, green terraces, and quality public spaces.
The buildable area of approximately 100,000 m² will be divided into 45% housing, 15% business premises, and 40% retail (Ikea).
Its realization involves defining the 4 operational blocks, which will be gradually implemented.
Block 1 will concern the installation of Ikea and the construction of approximately 10,000 m² of housing. For the other blocks, calls for applications will be issued at the end of 2013.
The municipal opposition was quick to make their voice heard.
For Patrick ALLEMAND, president of the municipal opposition group Changer d’Ere:
“While it’s foolish to claim that Ikea’s arrival in Nice meets the environmental excellence expectations of the residents, as the Mayor of Nice puts it, it remains good news for the entire department.
It was not acceptable that the 5th largest city in France was deprived of this commercial facility, which is popular with all French people. This injustice is now rectified and will allow the residents of Nice and the surrounding area to access this very important furniture market segment for low-income households.
There is a social dimension to Ikea’s installation that cannot be ignored, along with the creation of 350 jobs.”
