A new Landmark Rises in Nice: The Future Police Hotel

The skyline of nice is undergoing a significant transformation wiht the construction of the new Police Hotel.This ambitious project, a fusion of modern design and historical preservation, is rapidly taking shape, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into the future of law enforcement infrastructure in the city.

blending the Old with the New: Architectural Cohesion

While the preservation of the historic 1858 facade provides a familiar anchor, the Edouard-Beri side of the construction showcases the project’s impressive evolution. The emerging concrete structure, with its chiseled appearance, is designed to harmonize with its surroundings.

Alberto Rubin, agency director at Wilmotte et Associés, the architectural firm collaborating with Vinci Construction, emphasized the importance of this cohesion during a community meeting in december 2023.The idea was to find a cohesion between the new and existing parties. Matriced concrete drawing is inspired by a typical element of Nice architecture: the shutters. (…) Always echoing the old,the angles and cornices will be reproduced. This design choice ensures that the new building resonates with the city’s architectural heritage, particularly through the use of clear ocher shades reminiscent of Mediterranean shutters.

Public Preview: An Exclusive Site Visit

Residents of Nice will have an exclusive possibility to explore the construction site during a public visit scheduled for April 26th. The city is organizing four guided tours, each accommodating groups of 30 peopel, offering a behind-the-scenes look at this transformative project. However,accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility is still under advancement,and the site is not yet wheelchair accessible. Interested individuals can register on the my.weezevent.com site.

Project Timeline and Scope: A Massive undertaking

Construction has been progressing according to schedule. Following the commencement of reconstruction, foundation work, and structural development in the latter half of 2024, the focus will shift to interior design in the second half of 2025. The Police Hotel is slated for completion by the end of the year.

Spanning an impressive 50,000 square meters, the building will consolidate various law enforcement agencies, including national and municipal police forces, as well as the urban hypervision center. This state-of-the-art center will connect approximately 5,000 surveillance cameras strategically positioned throughout the city, enhancing real-time monitoring and response capabilities. In total, the facility will house around 2,000 agents, creating a centralized hub for public safety.

Financial Investment: A Collaborative Effort

The project is a collaborative financial undertaking, with co-funding provided by the State and the City, proportionate to the space occupied by each entity. The overall cost is estimated at 239 million euros, excluding land acquisition, development of the urban hypervision center, and surrounding area improvements. This considerable investment underscores the commitment to modernizing and enhancing law enforcement infrastructure in Nice.

Honoring the Past: A Symbolic Reminder

Preserving a connection to the site’s history, the inscription Saint-Roch hospital on the pediment will be retained, with its cross restored to the top of the structure upon completion. This symbolic gesture serves as a reminder of the site’s past while embracing its future as a modern police hub.