During the press briefing on January 29, 2024, the president of FBTP 06, Patrick Moulard, along with his right-hand man, Pierre Mario, summarized the results of 2023 and discussed the prospects for the current year.
The coming year is expected to be crucial for the construction sector in the Alpes-Maritimes. While the sector maintained its stability in 2023, the department’s building and public works federation anticipates some challenges for 2024.
Dynamism in Construction in 2023
The conference began with a positive review of 2023 in the construction sector of Alpes-Maritimes. With the creation of 800 jobs, the total workforce reached 25,300 employees. The new building sector was a crucial driver, recording a growth of +4.5% in new housing starts, totaling 4,800 housing units. Non-residential real estate experienced fluctuations with 261,000 m2 of areas started. The maintenance/renovation segment maintained a growth of +2%, while public and road works displayed measured growth.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead in 2024
Regarding prospects for 2024, several challenges have been identified in various areas. On the political front, both internationally with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and nationally with the absence of an absolute majority in Parliament and the electoral period, the lack of clarity on the government’s housing policy raises uncertainties. On the economic, social, and societal fronts, potential dangers have been highlighted. These include inflation, rising labor costs, and energy price fluctuations. A study by the FFB highlights the financial challenge, with each housing unit built and financed by the PTZ delivering an average net balance of 24,000 euros to the Nation. The fragility of SMEs in the sector is also emphasized, with a significant increase in construction business failures over the past year.
In summary, despite the successes of 2023, the outlook for 2024 appears complex, requiring prudent management of the challenges ahead in the construction sector.
