This Thursday morning, the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, invited locals for a guided tour of the Ray construction site.
This visit allows a better visualization of the future developments that will replace the legendary Léo Lagrange stadium.
Towards a new eco-district
The construction in the Ray district promises greenery and serenity. The creation of a three-hectare urban park is planned for November 2019. The work started in September 2018, and the project is initiated by the Edouard François agency, a renowned international architect considered a pioneer in ecology, combining architecture and vegetation.
The park plans to have a complementary recreational platform in the north with the games of the Mouchan garden. The central alley will be reserved for “soft modes” for walks from east to west. Finally, the southern part of the site will feature a large open activity meadow, crossed by a water ribbon fed by a waterfall.
“We had to seize the opportunity of the stadium transfer to revitalize and not let a wasteland settle permanently. The thought process of balanced, intelligent development allows us to provide answers in terms of public service but also to bring a green lung that benefits the environment and enhances the entire district’s heritage,” expressed Christian Estrosi.
A preserved sports identity
The new site will continue to have a sporting appearance with the relocation of activities set up before the demolition of the west stand.
Billiards will be installed on the first level of the Malatesta hall in a 265 m2 space for a cost of 160,000 euros.
OGC Nice Escrime, which had been relocated for 4 years within the former Opel Garage on the Armée des Alpes boulevard, will now set up in a 3000 m2 complex replacing the current local Carrefour Market located on the Gorbella boulevard. The new area will allow for international level accreditation. The complex is scheduled for 2022 and is estimated to cost 3 million euros.
Additionally, the works include a football field meeting the French Football Federation’s requirements. Stands, changing rooms, annex rooms, and a refreshment stall are also planned for the end of August 2019. Projects that will allow clubs to resume their activities in the best conditions.
To complete the site’s sports identity, a 1215 m2 dojo hall is added to the complex. This hall will include 4 combat areas, 1 weight training room, and will allow the hosting of youth competitions at the departmental level.
Finally, the Rotunda will be renovated and made available to the OGC Nice supporter association from June 2019.
Intelligent modernization of the site
The colossal project in the district includes an extension and modernization of the Ray-Gorbella school as well as the creation of an early childhood and family center.
The mayor announced the opening, for September 2021, of 2 kindergarten classes, 2 elementary classes, an activity room, a family reception service, and a municipal early childhood relay.
