- Official Visit on December 20, 2024: Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, presented the progress of the construction site ahead of the center’s opening in June 2025
- A Milestone for the UN Ocean Conference: From June 9 to 13, 2025, Nice will host the global United Nations Ocean Conference, a key environmental event.
- A Sustainable and Multifunctional Infrastructure: The center will feature an event hall, a modern ferry terminal, and an eco-friendly design.
- A Robust Economic Model: The project is self-financed and expected to be fully amortized within one to two years.
Transforming the Port of Nice: A Renewal Vision
The Congress Center, under construction on the Quai Infernet, represents a major ambition for Nice: transforming the port into a model of sustainability and innovation, enhancing international appeal, and boosting the local economy.
On December 20, 2024, during an official site visit, Christian Estrosi emphasized the center’s significance for hosting the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, a crucial global environmental event.
The construction remains on schedule December’s efforts are focused on completing the slab and utility networks, including a power supply for ships, aiming for a smoke-free port by 2026.
Infrastructure Supporting Ambitious Goals
The center’s modular components, transported by sea and scheduled for delivery in April 2025, highlight an innovative approach to construction and installation.
Additionally, a green strip along Rauba Capèu and around the building will reinforce the site’s ecological integration. This greening initiative aims to connect the port to the city, creating a harmonious ecological continuity.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The financing relies on local sources, including revenue from the tourist tax, port users, and the Metropolitan Tourism Office of Nice Côte d’Azur. The project is expected to amortize quickly, with revenues from rentals, such as the €10 million fee from leasing the building to the state for the UN Ocean Conference.
Future programming promises a rich variety of events, including the Grand Pavois from La Rochelle, the Grand Tourism Summit in October, and performances by the Nice Opera at year’s end. In the long term, the venue will also host events for the 2030 Winter Olympics, cementing its role as a key hub for international events.
Sources/Learn More: Invest in Côte d’Azur, Nice24
Developments in Nice Côte d’Azur
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Terminal 2 extension: 23,000 sq m and capacity increased to 18 million passengers
- MIPIM 2026: Axelle Xerri to Represent Team Nice Côte d’Azur
- Nice, 5th largest city in France by population
- Extension of the Promenade du Paillon: the European Union awards €11.6 million via the ERDF
- Promenade du Paillon: 8 Additional Hectares of Green Space Opened in Nice
- Banque Populaire Méditerranée to Renovate Its Headquarters in Nice Arénas
- BTP d’Avenir 06 Awards for the OcéaNice Convention Center and the Redevelopment Works of the Parking des Arts
- A demonstrator eco-district of the city of tomorrow in Cagnes-sur-Mer
