With phase two of its renovation now complete, Cannes's economic heavyweight is really flaunting its assets.
Some 120 shows attracting upwards of 60,000 people plus 45 business events equals 289 days of use per year, financial benefits worth €840 million and 17,000 jobs. Thirty years on, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is well established as Cannes's economic 'lung', meaning it's vital that it stays competitive. Which it certainly is after this second tranche of beautifying and enlarging. The first, carried out during summer 2013, renovated the frontage and entrance steps. The second, completed last summer, tackled the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière and its foyer and created a new 260m² exhibition space. Essential, the Palais's chairwoman, Claire-Anne Reix, believes: "We may have a turnover of €27 million a year and be the second biggest congress centre in France, after Paris, but we can't rest on our laurels. The work begun in 2013 isn't focused on increasing capacity, its main aim is to upgrade the quality of service we provide and to anticipate the requirements of our event-organiser clients." In short, to further improve the Palais's already considerable assets: a wonderful seafront situation in the town centre of a glamorous but authentic destination plus synergy with local politicians and socio-economic players.
Overview
The work carried out in summer 2014 has made the building more functional and modernised its interior. Eiffage Construction Côte d’Azur was responsible for this second and most important phase. The entire renovation will take nine months spread over three summers, at a cost of €23 million.
The foyer of the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière
Reconfiguring this has made it bigger and lighter. The glass roof has been extended, the escalators replaced, the floor renovated and the lift shaft prepared for the lift to be installed in 2015. The foyer's crowning glory is a new double-spiral staircase that can be admired from the forecourt outside.
The Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière
Complementing the work done in 2013, the colour scheme, materials and lighting have been revamped, the carpet has been changed and 2300 specially designed seats have been installed. These are two-tone with slightly curved backs, giving the auditorium a softer look.
The rooftop balcony foyer
This has been turned into a VIP area providing an additional 260m² of exhibition space under an immense glass roof. It will be completed in 2015.
By Alexandre Benoist
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