Wider sidewalks, enhanced greening, and rethought traffic flow—after nine months of work, Boulevard Riquier has a new look. The Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur officially delivered the redevelopment works of Boulevard Riquier in the presence of the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi. While the beautification of the urban environment has been widely praised, merchants and users still mention necessary adjustments and safety concerns.
This Friday, January 16, the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur officially delivered the redevelopment works of Boulevard Riquier. Conducted over nearly nine months, this project aimed to improve travel safety, the aesthetics of the boulevard, and the living environment in this dense and highly trafficked area of eastern Nice.
The works involved several companies and numerous technical services from the city of Nice and the Métropole. “Today, we are highlighting the work conducted over nine months by the companies and technical services. It’s also a way to explain to residents what has been done,” explains Sonia, head of the Studies and Works department of the city of Nice.
The operation mainly focused on the safety of movements. Limiting the speed to 30 km/h, renovating signage, creating new pedestrian crossings, and resurfacing aim to improve the coexistence between pedestrians, two-wheelers, and motorists.
In total, 5,600 m² of public spaces have been redeveloped and 10,000 m² of roads renovated. The works also allowed for the renewal of sidewalks and urban furniture, along with enhanced greening with the planting of 64 trees and the creation of 500 m² of green spaces.
Merchants generally satisfied
On the ground, several merchants praise the positive effects of the redevelopment. Claude, 62, tobacconist at Tabac Le Riquier (and vice-president of the Tobacconists’ Federation), believes the works were necessary: “It revitalizes the area and the attractiveness of the boulevard Riquier’s shops. With the arrival of Mama Shelter and new buildings, it’s positive for us.”
The same observation for Bruno, 62, manager of the bar Le Brungill, sees this transformation as a rejuvenated attraction: “The boulevard looks younger, cleaner, and more pleasant. Tourists passing through find the area very pretty, especially with the nearby hotel.”
While the result is deemed satisfactory by several economic actors, the implementation of the works required some adjustments. Aminat, 34, secretary at Clef Express, acknowledges the visual improvement while mentioning the encountered constraints: “We would have liked to be informed earlier. We had no choice but to adapt during the works.”
For his part, Frédérick, 60, manager of Fredo Moto, emphasizes the good coordination with the companies: “They were accommodating to allow us to remain open, adapting some interventions to our schedules.”
Ongoing vigilance on safety
Despite the boulevard’s beautification, some points of concern remain. Several merchants mention the removal of a pedestrian crossing and the persistent danger at the intersection with rue Smolett. “Elderly people continue to cross in certain areas. Additional adjustments may be needed,” estimates Frédérick.
Generally well received, the redevelopment of Boulevard Riquier marks a new phase in the transformation of this eastern Nice neighborhood. While the improvement of the urban environment is widely recognized, merchants and users highlight the need for future adjustments to sustainably enhance safety and daily use of this key thoroughfare.
