Nice-Premium: what can be done to quickly find a solution to the dilapidation of the Nice prison?
Gaël Nofri: The current prison satisfies no one and it’s a disgrace. Such an establishment does not bring honor to our city, our country, or the leaders who now must find a solution. Efforts must be made at all costs and as quickly as possible to determine a project, stick to it, finance it, and see it through to completion. It is evident that when discussing a building such as a prison, you never gain the total approval of the entire population, especially the nearby residents affected. Nevertheless, the situation has persisted for too long, and action is needed.
Nice Premium: 3 prisoners for one place: how did we get here?
Gaël Nofri: Already in 1887, at its creation, this prison was seen by many as overexploited. Today, when we want to see the carceral situation of our country improve, the Nice prison still houses three times as many inmates as it did back then.
From that point, it’s clear that the result of many years of inaction, much wavering, and a lack of will weighs heavily. In 2005 and 2006, I was among those who regretted that the solution of the Plaine du Var was not adopted. Indeed, while we believed a resolution was near, we had to face great disappointment when we realized that small divisions among people had overridden the proposed project. In a statement, I had condemned the government for failing to take responsibility and lamented that some local politicians were quicker to play demagogy to benefit a few property owners in the Plaine du Var than capable of imposing the general interest.
It’s obvious that no one wants a prison nearby, nor does anyone wish to be expropriated. But a building in this condition is a crime, and a prison facility in the city center is a contradiction: all the consequences must be considered, and changes must be dared. Even at the risk of being unpopular at times, it might be necessary. If, as I believe, the Plaine du Var solution was the best compromise, it should have been enforced.
Nice Premium: where should the next prison be located, and how can you convince the neighbors?
Gaël Nofri: The first thing that must be said is that it is unthinkable for the prison to remain where it is currently located. Indeed, how can one imagine, right in the heart of Nice, in a district that so badly needs urban redevelopment to boost its economy and improve its quality of life, that such a space remains neglected, occupied by a prison or second Halle SPADA, etc.?
As for the prison, I remain convinced that the only place where there is both available land, quick access roads to the city, and the necessary geographical configuration is along the RN 202 in the Plaine du Var. I cannot imagine for a moment that the prison remains downtown in any neighborhood, nor do I think it’s sensible to place it at the heart of one of the few natural sites in Nice, which we so desperately need.
Nice Premium: what would be your project for the current prison?
Gaël Nofri: This site should offer the neighborhood the urban and economic administrative means for development: a small local police station, an annex town hall providing all civil state services to the population, perhaps also local shops, welcoming green spaces, and nearby sports infrastructure would be desirable.
