The use of the semi-temporary convention center at the port of Nice could be extended if Parliament authorizes it.

The port's new convention center continues to be the talk of the town. Mocked on social media for its "cheap" appearance , OceaNic was built to host the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) from June 9 to 13, 2025.

A semi-temporary infrastructure whose permit was granted for 3 years, intended to host nearly 70 other events after the UNOC until 2027 (congresses, conferences, conventions, seminars, shows, concerts, etc.). But the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, planned from the start to keep OceaNice at least until 2030, with the objective of installing the international press there for the 2030 Winter Olympics – which will take place partly in the Alpes-Maritimes .

And Christian Estrosi's idea recently received a major boost from the government. Indeed, the permit extension was included in the 2030 Olympic bill, presented this Thursday, May 15, to the Council of Ministers.

"From 2030, OceaNice will host the Olympic media center"

"On May 9, the Prime Minister confirmed to me the government's intention to include in the bill relating to the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games a provision allowing for the extension of the use of the OceaNice convention center. [On Thursday], the Council of Ministers officially ratified this measure. I welcome this strong decision, which reinforces our commitment to providing Nice with a structuring facility, completed in record time on the strategic port site," Christian Estrosi said on Friday, May 16, during the Metropolitan Council.

Article 17 of the 2030 Olympic Bill authorises "the extension by prefectural decree of the period for the removal of a construction authorised on a temporary basis for which the building permit was issued before the date of publication of this law, provided that this project contributes directly to the organisation and running of the 2030 Olympic Games. This extension is limited to six years from the initial date of removal of said construction."

Now it remains for Parliament to adopt it, while there is no clear majority in the Chamber. The bill must be examined in the Senate at the end of June, then in the National Assembly at the start of the school year, before its adoption is expected by the end of the year. If there is no dissolution by then...

But for the Mayor of Nice, it's already a done deal: "From 2030, OceaNice will host the media center for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is national recognition for Nice and a fantastic showcase for our region. The Nicea venue and the entire site will play a full part in the liveliness, influence, and economic attractiveness of the Metropolis," said Christian Estrosi.