The Nice Cรดte d’Azur Metropolis, Ikea, and Bouygues Immobilier celebrated this Friday the start of construction for the mixed, urban, and integrated Ikea project in the Plaine du Var.
The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi and the CEO of Ikea France Walter Kadnar laid the first stone of this new site on Friday, in the presence of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and the president of Bouygues Immobilier, Franรงois Bertiรจre.
It took nearly 20 years and numerous legal challenges for Ikea to find a foothold on the Cรดte d’Azur. Finally, it’s in Nice, in the eco-district Nice Saint Isidore, that the 20,000 m2 retail space will be built.
The real estate complex developed by Bouygues Immobilier combines a unique architecture worldwide with respect for local balances. Conceived with a mix of functions, it will allow the development of housing, offices, and shops in the heart of the Eco-Valley, with a focus on sustainable development and minimal consumption. This project indeed displays high environmental standards.
For Christian Estrosi: “The integration of the IKEA store into the Saint-Isidore Eco District, at the heart of the Metropolis, is a global and exceptional project. Endorsed by the people of Nice, it addresses their priorities for jobs, housing, and environmental excellence. Its location will contribute significantly to the growth of our territory.”
Walter Kadnar, CEO of Ikea France, insisted that “We are very pleased to settle in Nice and to start the work here. We are proud of the urban, mixed, and integrated project with an innovative architectural envelope.”
Jean Michel Wilmotte, architect: “This unprecedented project led us to redefine the model of the large commercial area that is usually found on city outskirts, to create a true urban component and integrate it into a real estate complex combining different functions and uses.”
Several opponents of this project were also present on site to express their dissatisfaction, placards in hand. They were particularly advocating for the protection of the environment and local shops.
The work should last 26 months.
Christian Estrosi announced this Friday morning the opening of the store in spring 2021, and the offices and shops in summer 2021. The site will then be served by tram line 3, whose construction will be completed by the end of 2019.
