Development Plans Unveiled for Port Vauban, Antibes

Following the news last month that CCI has won the management contract for the Port Vauban 21 project, further details and plans were presented at a press briefing in Antibes last night.

In fact the winning bid came from Artemis, a joint venture between CCI Nice Côte d'Azur, the Caisse d’Epargne and the Caisse des Depots, formed to meet the public service delegation (DSP) launched early 2016 by the town of Antibes. Collectively they will fund and manage the redevelopment of Port Vauban over the next 25 years, and Port Gallice for the next 15.

With heavyweight partners and funding secured, the joint ambition is to restore Port Vauban as the Mediterranean capital of yachting, to build on the solid reputation of Antibes' Quai des Milliardaires and provide the highest levels of service for yacht owners and crew. Artemis is also keen to recognize the input and passion of esteemed owners as well as invaluable feedback from captains in making the project possible. 

The Vauban 21 project will go far beyond simple renovation and improvements to port services. It involves the total restructuing of the marina and the creation of an efficient ecosystem to unite and connect all stakeholders - industry professionals, local businesses and the wider community. In essence, Vauban 21 aims to restore the prestige of Port Vauban within 10 years. 

Port Vauban, Antibes

Included in the project are a Yachting Campus to facilitate the very best in crew training and maritime research, and a Yachting Technology Hub in collaboration with Sophia Antipolis to foster innovation, and the concept is already attracting interest from businesses and associations beyond the project itself.

To promote the yachting industry, there are plans to optimise the economic appeal of Port Vauban and to promote the vision of a modern marina for a modern era, a vibrant community which is also environmentally and socially aware. Port Vauban will be a connected and technologically advanced marina set to hold its position on the world stage. 

Security is also paramount, and drawing on their extensive experience in managing high-profile events - including G20 in Cannes and the Cannes Film Festival - there are plans to implement strict protocols for risk management and resolution and a program of fire, pollution and safety drills. 

Port Gallice, Juan Les Pins

To optimise the investment secured for the project, Artemis expresses a long term commitment to its success, with a spirit of solidarity and transparency in the management of funds. 

The Port Vauban 21 project has two distinct phases:

• The upgrading of services, technology, resources and organisation

• An ambitious €135 million project to revolutionise the ecosystem and bring Port Vauban fully into the 21st century

Developments include the construction of new capitaineries, renovation of the shipyard and maintenance areas, the creation of a Yacht Club with a luxury restaurant, restructuring and expansion of car parking facilities (including a new 600-space underground car park), a landscaped 7km promenade around the port and renovation of the Fort Carré.

For yacht owners, Vauban 21 represents a commitment to providing an exceptional level of service. It also brings recogniton for the many stakeholders who have invested physically and emotionally in a shared vision to put Antibes back on the map.