The Principality is set to increase its territory by reclaiming 6ha from the sea to build housing, shops, offices and a harbour.
In Monaco nothing is more precious than land. This tiny city-state enclosed by Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Beausoleil and Cap-d’Ail has the highest density of population in the world, and its government estimates it needs 350,000m2 of additional living space per decade in order to maintain its demographic growth. But there is virtually no empty land left, all that can be done is to replace old buildings with taller constructions, so wresting land from the sea is of considerable strategic importance for Monaco's economic development. "This project will extend Monegasque territory, in the Larvotto district, as has been done many times since the first land reclamation in 1872. Since then the Principality has increased its surface area by 25%, today occupying 2.1km²," points out Jean-Michel Manzone, project leader at the Ministry of Public Works, Environment and Urban Development.
A new headland
What will this maritime district, to be completed by 2025 at the earliest, be like? Impossible to say with certainty right now. Early this year Prince Albert II announced the winner out of the four candidates who tendered: the Bouygues Travaux Publics grouping that includes Monegasque firms, such as J.-B. Pastor & Fils, and the renowned architecture practices Valode & Pistre, Renzo Piano and Alexandre Giraldi. They now have 12-18 months to finalise their project, failing which runner-up Vinci Concessions will take over. What is certain is that the new headland will have luxury apartment blocks of six to 10 storeys plus a marina harbour with 30-40 berths. "The precise mix of housing, offices and shops will be decided by the winning candidate, who will commercialise the entire project," explains Jean-Michel Manzone.
An urban challenge
One of the project's most spectacular aspects will be the construction of an immense foundation slab 20m underwater. Bouygues TP is to finance the entire operation, at an estimated cost of one billion euros; in exchange it will construct and commercialise a surface area totally around 60,000m2. The reclamation will be sited between the Larvotto and Tombant de Spélugues marine conservation areas. "It has to be exemplary in terms of sustainable development and environmental protection," Jean-Michel Manzone emphasises. "The constructions must ensure sustainable energy management and waste disposal." The new district will include green spaces and ensure the coastline's continuity.
By Tanja Stojanov
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