Nice’s Semi-Temporary Convention Center Set for Completion Before UN Ocean Conference
Amidst a backdrop of controversy and delays, Nice’s new "semi-temporary" convention center is poised to be completed by April 30th on the city’s port ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) scheduled for June.
Mayor Christian Estrosi (Horizons) expressed confidence during a recent site visit, stating, "We are free from all appeals, and the construction will be finished on time."
Design and Construction
The complex consists of three buildings:
- The main hall, where UNOC will be held, boasts 3,500 square meters and a capacity of up to 2,500 attendees.
- An adjacent three-story building features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the port and Mediterranean Sea, designated for meetings and receptions.
- The third building serves as a maritime station.
Spanning a total of 6,400 square meters, the complex is being constructed rapidly by GL Events, a Lyon-based specialist in event management and temporary structures. Despite a late building permit in late 2022, the project has made significant progress.
The buildings, a blend of wood and glass, do not exceed the height of the nearby dock. They are designed to be dismantled, similar to Paris’s Grand Palais Éphémère, also constructed by GL Events.
Intended Uses and Legacy
Mayor Estrosi envisions the new convention center remaining in place for "six or seven years" and serving as a press center for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the Southern Alps. However, a special law will need to be passed for it to remain in its current form.
"Afterwards, we will evaluate whether to ask for an extension or redesign a new, suitable facility," Estrosi explained.
After the UN summit (June 9-13), the complex will be managed by the local authority, which will adjust its configuration over the summer. It is intended to host "conventions, shows, and seminars," with bookings already made. Estrosi believes the center should remain "as long as necessary."
Cost and Funding
The project is estimated to cost just over €20 million, which the city has advanced to initiate construction. This has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who have denounced the demolition of Nice’s historic "Acropolis" convention center in favor of vegetation and have criticized the city’s financial management.
The city, however, aims to secure funding from the French government, the Paca region, and the European Union to cover the final expenses. Revenue from hosting events and passenger ships is also expected to finance the complex within six years, according to the mayoralty.
Contestation and Delays
The project has faced political opposition and delays related to obtaining a building permit for the waterfront location. It was only in late July that the Élysée confirmed Nice’s port as the UNOC venue, despite no construction having commenced.
Other sites were considered for the summit, co-organized with Costa Rica. Despite the tight timeline, the city is confident in delivering the project before the conference.
