A New Face to the Old Port
Volume XIX, Issue 36
If you’re wondering where to buy in property in Nice that is sure to increase in value more than most, the Old Port area is one that is worth a serious consideration.
Just recently announced was Nice Mayor’s project for what is called “the blue economy” (“l’économie bleue” in French). It’s a new term for me, and maybe for you. It is an economic concept related to economic activities linked to the oceans, seas and their coasts. Its definition and its precise field of application vary according to the organizations or researchers. The World Bank defines the blue economy as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved incomes and jobs, and healthy ocean ecosystems.” We like that.
Christian Estrosi said in his announcement on September 10th, “I can’t leave it in this state…,” meaning the Port of Nice. He is going to radically change its face over the next five years during a series of important gentrifications for the area: the parking lot of the lighthouse in the southwest area of the Port will live its final days. As a “heat island,”* it will be replaced by a park planted with trees. As shown in the photo illustrating this article, a “large pier” will constitute a brand new “promenade” for the people of Nice.
*”Heat island” is another term I didn’t know. “An urban heat island (UHI) is an urban area or metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities.” (Wikipedia.org) Tokyo is a good example.
It wasn’t long ago that Line 2 of the Tramway opened connecting the airport with the Old Port. This alone revitalized the “quartier” by providing direct access to part of the city previously only serviced by the bus system. This was just the beginning for the area, which will be designed to be more pedestrian-friendly, with direct access to the sea. The series of measures will be effective by 2024 at the latest, including the renovation of the port and the pedestrianization of the Quai des Deux Emmanuels, as well as adding a carbon tax for ferry vehicles and the eradication of disposable plastic (as of January 2022, a total ban on single-use plastic in administrative buildings, public markets and canteens with an extension in 2023 to shops and mass distribution).
Some of the improvements include: a fresh fish market (that could become a large fish auction like exists in Italy); reduction of space devoted to vehicles (traffic and parking); a large pedestrian promenade that will lead from the Rauba Capeu quay to the lighthouse; pedestrianization of the Quai des Deux-Emmanuels; introduction of a tax to discourage ferry passengers from embarking with their cars; boosting large yachting, pleasure boating and small new generation cruise ships. In addition, the plan is to create hanging gardens and to redesign the quays to attract new customers. In just a few words: “Make the port a place to live, a place of happiness.” One article about the project claimed “A port without fishermen is like a meal without cheese.” I got a big chuckle out of this, but understood perfectly. And they are right.
The project is expected to cost 40 million euros and should be completed within five years. So, now is the time to consider investing in the area around the port.
Here are a few properties on the market today that would make amazing investments:
2 ROOMS AND 49m2 with BALCONY ON THE BASIN OF THE PORT
Two rooms of 49m² with balcony on the basin of the Port. Located on the top floor of a building in Nice, without elevator, very well maintained, this apartment profits from a situation and a privileged sight on the port of Nice. It is composed of a south facing living room with balcony, a fitted and equipped American kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom and a separate toilet. The apartment is in excellent condition. Possibility to outfit the attic. Ideal location, beautiful size and very bright! 420,000€
2 ROOMS AND 36m2 ON THE QUAI DES DEUX-EMMANUELS
Very beautiful two rooms of 36m2 on the last floor with elevator, overlooking the Basin of the Port of Nice, luminous, completely renovated with quality materials, an American kitchen equipped and a shower with toilet. 309,000€
3 ROOMS AND 60m2
Nice Le PORT, very rare top floor three rooms 60m2 with terraces of 14m² view Port, sea and hill of the Castle. Unique in this sector, in a historical building on the 3rd and top floor without elevator, sublime three rooms completely renovated of 60.07m ² (Carrez law) decorated with a beautiful terrace sea view, basin of the Port and hill of the Castle. Composed of a luminous living room dining room, exposed South, giving on the terrace. An independent kitchen furnished and equipped, giving on a pleasant terrace, view on the hills and the roofs. Two bedrooms, one with access to the terrace and the other with a view on the sea and the port. A shower room, WC, with window. Ideally located only a few steps away from: the Customs parking, the Port Basin, the tramway station N°2 ‘Port LYMPIA’ shops, restaurants and bars. 569,000€
Let us help you find the perfect apartment on or near the Port that is sure to increase in value as the improvements to the Port near completion. Contact us TODAY!
A bientôt
Adrian Leeds
The Adrian Leeds Group®
P.S. If you’re considering a property purchase in Nice, don’t do it lightly. Let us help you make the smartest decisions to ensure you make the best investment you can. We can also expertly advise you how best to create a profitable rental. Contact us to learn more.
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