On April 30, Christian Estrosi officially handed over the future Oceania site and its conference and performance center, Nicea, located at the port. This delivery marks an important milestone ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), which will be held in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025.
Named Nicea, the new convention center, built with semi-temporary structures, is part of the Oceania site. Spanning 10,000 m², including 4,000 m² of modular halls, it features a large 2,500-seat auditorium, a 4,000 m² esplanade, and a 1,400 m² rooftop. This complex is designed to host international congresses, cultural performances, trade shows, and public events.
The building is also an example of eco-construction, with a focus on using predominantly French-sourced materials. 94% of the materials used are recyclable, reusable, or repurposable. Some of the rubble from other construction projects in the metropolis (such as Promenade du Paillon, Haliotis II) has been integrated into its structure. The estimated lifespan of the complex is 30 years, with the possibility of adapting it to future needs.
A Project Without Extra Costs for Taxpayers
With a total cost of 23 million euros, Nicea is funded by port users, part of the tourist tax, and future booking revenues. The facility is expected to be amortized in two and a half years, according to Christian Estrosi, who emphasized that the goal is not short-term profitability but supporting the local economy. The mayor of Nice also announced that the complex already has more than 70 bookings for various events over the next two years, including nautical exhibitions, e-sports, gastronomy, medical congresses, and musical or comedic performances.
UNOC, an International Catalyst
Several events of the UNOC 2025 will take place at this new center, marking the largest conference ever organized by the United Nations in France since COP21. For this occasion, Nice will be under heightened security. Two main zones will host the activities: the Blue Zone, reserved for official delegations and heads of state, and the Green Zone, set up in the Exhibition Hall transformed into a « Whale, » dedicated to NGOs, scientists, startups, and industries working for ocean protection. With 187 delegations expected and nearly 100 heads of state and government in attendance, Nice is preparing to welcome the world. A mayoral summit for coastal cities and regions, chaired by Christian Estrosi, will also take place on June 7.
Nicea as a Symbol of New Urban, Cultural, and Ecological Ambition
Nicea represents a new urban, cultural, and ecological ambition for the Metropolis. Accessible to the people of Nice starting this summer with immersive exhibitions (such as « Atelier des Lumières »), Nicea aims to become a hub of sustainable attraction on a Euro-Mediterranean scale. In his speech, Christian Estrosi reflected on the decision to choose Nice, alongside Costa Rica, as the host for this global conference. This decision was supported by almost all member states. The summit could lead to the adoption of a foundational document, the Nice Treaty, governing the governance of the high seas, which make up nearly 50% of the world’s maritime areas.
Source: tribuca
