Eco Valley project will provide an international showcase for expertise in sustainable development
Located in beautiful natural surroundings at the mouth of the river Var, the project’s goal is to transform the Plaine du Var site into a space...
Located in beautiful natural surroundings at the mouth of the river Var, the project’s goal is to transform the Plaine du Var site into a space where people can live and prosper whilst at the same time respecting the balance of nature. The goal is to attract companies and research centers specializing in renewable energy, new materials and new techniques in the fields of construction and the management and prevention of natural and health risks. And a plan to establish an “eco-campus” has also been approved along with a large stadium.
An independent state planning and development body has been set-up to oversee the huge project, which is expected to run for some 30 years, given its scale and targets. It is also the first operation of this size in France and its unique location makes it quite distinct from other Opérations d’Intérêt National (OIN - Operations of National Interest) such as the La Défense (EPAD) or Marseille’s Euroméditerranée.
The 10,000 hectare site will be home to 116,000 inhabitants, or 11% of the population of the department, as well as 60,000 employees in 10,120 firms, which will represent 16.5% of the Côte d’Azur’s total working population. Following the conclusions of the pre-planning study, a total of 450 hectares will be available for development, which will provide a potential 2 million m² of constructible space, of which half will be given over to office space.
Thierry BAHOUGNE, who heads up the Board of Directors, which was appointed in January and comprises 27 members, noted that, “The challenge is to write a new chapter in the history of the development of Nice-Côte d'Azur within the boundaries of the OIN and based on an ambitious economic growth model to attract companies and create jobs. Setting new standards for creating and renovating pleasant living spaces for people and business to prosper while respecting nature’s balance, the EcoVallée will re-position the region on the Mediterranean and international stage.”
More information: www.investincotedazur.com/ fr/ eco-vallee/ index.php
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