The transfer of this Nice monument, classified since 1996, was formalized by the Municipal Council this Wednesday, December 18.
Roseland Abbey will remain in the public domain. Its sale to the Alpes-Maritimes department was almost unanimously validated by the Nice Municipal Council this Wednesday. The transaction will bring 4 million euros to the city.
The establishment, classified as a historic monument since 1996, must now become a “Climate Institute”. For this, the department will spend around ten million euros to carry out work.
Ultimately, the place will include an exhibition space for the public, a campus dedicated to climate research with a residence for scientists and an area focused on communication and the history of the site.
Satisfied Environmentalists
Local ecologists welcomed this news positively, while they feared seeing this Riviera heritage fall into the hands of a private actor.
“We found it heartbreaking to get rid of a historic monument and there is a real battle to be won against fake news linked to global warming. We must educate and inform the public with popularization and scientists,” declared Fabrice Decoupigny, EELV municipal councilor, at BFM Nice Côte d’Azur.
After several years of negotiations, the abbey on Boulevard Napoléon III will be given a new lease of life.
Built in the 1920s, this 700 m2 building is surrounded by nearly one hectare of gardens and includes a cloister, outbuildings and a chapel.
The department must now establish a timetable to complete the project.
Cédric Adam with Gabriel Joly
