There is no point in revisiting the controversial project of relocating the TNN (the building was inaugurated in 1989), following the demolition of the current site to make way for the extension of the Coulée Verte from the Promenade des Paillons to the Mamac, and its relocation to two separate locations, initially the former Church of the Franciscans and the Aigle d’Or, and subsequently to the Palais des Arts et de la Culture following the transfer of the Palais des Expositions to the west as part of the Eco-Valley, where there will be an 800-seat auditorium.
The controversies that followed the City Council’s resolution did not change Christian Estrosi’s mind, and there are no updates on the outcome of the administrative appeal by opposition groups, or even the opposition from the heir of the rights of architect Yves Bayard (who was the designer).
Yesterday, a large delegation of elected officials visited the construction site at Place Saint-François, where work is underway to make the site available for artistic activities next spring. As announced, a 350-seat auditorium is planned.
This renovation, which is part of the complete requalification of Place Saint-François, will allow for the installation, in addition to the performance hall, of a welcoming area for the public, offices, a rehearsal room, and accommodations for artists.
For this season, director Muriel Mayette-Holtz will have to distribute activities across several sites, including the Opera, the Diacosmie (transformed into a performance hall), the Conservatory, and the Francis Gag Municipal Theater.
During the visit, the Mayor of Nice unveiled a new initiative: the acquisition of a new theater within the Iconic project (at Gare de Thiers), which will initially benefit the TNN, and subsequently all performing arts stakeholders.
