The metropolitan council on December 5, 2025, reviewed several files related to public facilities, the ecological transition, and budget management. The session marked a new phase for the future Exhibition and Convention Park and confirmed an evolution in port pricing. The 2026 budget was also adopted.
The metropolitan council on Friday, December 5, 2025, approved several resolutions tied to the future Exhibition and Convention Center. The public consultation report, the joint authority agreement, and the principle of a public service concession for the design, construction, and operation of the future facility were approved. These decisions pave the way for the launch of the call for tenders. The deadline is set for January 2026.
The project envisions a modular facility dedicated to economic and professional events. The stated goal is to enhance the area’s attractiveness. The Metropolis aims to host more national and international events. The site will be located in the Grand Arénas Concerted Development Zone, on already impervious land from the MIN Fleurs. The current hall, with a floor area of 13,000 m², will be rehabilitated. The future park will also include a 50,000 m² landscaped area. This redevelopment aims to reduce the artificialized surface.
The location is intended for direct accessibility. The project is situated at the intersection of major transportation modes. The future Nice Airport train station, the airport, tram lines, and specifically line T4, with a stop “Exhibition and Convention Center”, will be among the access points.
The Metropolis also highlights the expected economic benefits. The project should support the conferences and exhibitions sector. Job creation and economic impacts are among the stakes. A competitive positioning against major European destinations in the sector is mentioned.
The public consultation, conducted from July 28 to October 5, 2025, gathered feedback from the population. The Metropolis states that 80% of the opinions expressed were favorable.
The projected timeline extends to 2032. The selection of the concessionaire is planned for 2026. The building permit application and the release of the site by MIN Fleurs will occur in 2027. Restructuring and initial construction will begin in 2028. The site will then be temporarily requisitioned for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The International Broadcast Center will be installed there between 2029 and 2030. Final development and full delivery are scheduled between 2030 and 2032.
A change in cruise pricing and the adoption of the 2026 budget
The metropolitan council also approved a change in pricing for cruise ships. This decision comes amid a debate on the environmental and health impacts of maritime traffic on the coast. The President of the Metropolis reaffirmed his position: “In light of the environmental and health impacts of cruise ships, I have always advocated for strict and responsible regulation of this activity.”
Christian Estrosi believes that the inter-prefectural order being prepared lacks effective measures. He stated: “I regret that this order, which should soon come into effect, offers no real and effective regulation measures, neither limiting the number of ships, their size, nor their level of pollution.”
He also highlights the lack of immediate impact in his speech: “Furthermore, by not affecting already scheduled stops, this text will produce no concrete effect before 2028.”
The increase in the passenger fee was adopted at the council meeting. The pricing is based on the “polluter-pays” principle. The contribution will be higher for large, old, and polluting ships, according to the terms presented. The President clarified: “The objective is clear: make the polluting users contribute.” The revenues generated should contribute to funding port investments. Electrification of the docks is among the priorities.
The 2026 port budget and the new pricing schedule were presented to the Port Council of Nice-Villefranche Santé. Some members boycotted the session, which the President regrets. “I remind you that this Port Council is precisely the place for debate and exchanges between institutional and port stakeholders,” Christian Estrosi explained.
The metropolitan council session concluded with the adoption of the 2026 budget. The vote resulted in 90 votes in favor, 16 against, and 16 abstentions. The national context is described as constrained, with an increase in levies imposed on local authorities. The Metropolis, however, maintains stable taxation for households and businesses. The property tax on built land, the residence tax on second homes, and the business tax (CFE) rates remain unchanged. The TEOM (waste collection tax) remains lower compared to 2012.
The budget foresees a reduction of debt by 38 million euros in 2026. The investment package amounts to nearly 448 million euros. The projects will focus on decarbonized mobility, energy networks, ecological transition, and resilience of the valleys after storms Alex and Aline. A new allocation of 30.9 million euros is dedicated to these territories in 2026.
