Within a year, the extension of the Promenade du Paillon will have been completed, to the north of the city. The curves have been reversed: initially perplexed by such a large project, residents are now largely convinced by the project, according to a new survey. Young people and residents of the future park would thus be its most fervent supporters.
Little by little, the green flow “season 2” has visibly conquered the people of Nice. The extension of the Promenade du Paillon will carry this green ribbon of twelve to twenty hectares by the end of next year, from the wealthy neighborhoods of the South to the more popular areas of the North-East. Thousands of trees will be planted, and cycle paths created on both sides.
The project did not excite everyone from the start. Certainly, Christian Estrosi was re-elected mayor in 2020 while this “urban forest” represented the largest project in its program. But the scale of the work and the demolition of the former TNN and the Acropolis palace have raised some doubts. Obviously largely dissipated since then.
80% of residents “appreciate” the slices already delivered
The community commissioned a study from Ipsos to continuously survey public opinion. In January 2022, 64% of residents said they “défavorables” to the extension, compared to 34% of positive feelings. The decline in criticism continued thereafter. In October 2023, there was 51% support, compared to 48%.
A year later, the hearts of the people of Nice have capsized: 64% say they are enthusiastic, compared to 36%. This positive proportion reaches 71% in the canton where the park is located, and 76% among those under 35.
It must be said that since last June, the municipality has inaugurated two new extensions of the Paillon promenade: the Bourgada esplanade and De Lattre de Tassigny. Among those who went to discover these new gardens, 80% said they appreciated them. A figure that reaches 94% among young people.
PRIDE TO WELCOME THE UN SUMMIT
Next summer, the Lympia port will host the third edition of the United Nations Ocean Summit. The different states hope to conclude a historic agreement to preserve underwater resources. The holding of this global event excites the people of Nice. Still according to this Ipsos survey, 78% “apprécient” its organization at home. A proportion which rises to 87% for traders, and 92% for those most concerned, residents of the city center.
