A new operator, 50 years after the inauguration of Marina Baie des Anges
Half a century after its creation, the Villeneuve-Loubet marina, named Marina Baie des Anges, is going to change operator. A consortium consisting of Eiffage Concessions, a subsidiary of the Eiffage public works group, the Banque des Territoires (NDLR: Caisse des Dépôts group) and the operator Sodeports, has been awarded the future concession. The 30-year public service delegation contract will begin on 1 January 2021.
The Villeneuve-Loubet marina becomes the 8th port in operation for Sodeports. Ludovic Richard, director of the company and shareholder-operator of the consortium, is delighted with the news. "At the origin of the Baie des Anges Marina, the delegatee had called on Sodeports as assistant to the port project manager. My father worked on the design of the port and the lake and helped set up the operation for three years before handing it over to the final operator. It's a kind of return to the roots!"
Adapt to modern boat standards
In 50 years, yachting has greatly evolved. The consortium plans a global investment of 64 million euros over the duration of the contract. The end of the main works is announced for mid-2024. "The port was originally very well designed, but we have to take into account the increase in the size of the boats, especially in width, with in particular the parameter of the catamarans. There is going to be the creation of a wharf of honour. Today there are 525 berths and after the work, we will be able to accommodate 515 boats, but larger" explains Ludovic Richard.
The work also includes the extension of the existing dyke, including the creation of ancillary premises, and the construction on an unoccupied site of a 4-star hotel, a restaurant, and an aqualudique-thalasso area. A new harbour master's office and nearly 170 additional parking spaces will also be created.
Boater Services and the Environment
Ecological commitments are also highlighted. The port wishes to obtain the Blue Flag label and the certification Clean and Active Port in Biodiversity. To achieve this, the port is notably banking on the use of the calories of seawater for heating or air conditioning, the creation of artificial nurseries for the development of fish or the installation of floating waste collectors.
The operator also wishes to energise the marina through services and entertainment. "The future Coeur de Marina building will be able to be used as a support for shows such as the High Tech Marina which has already been held in Marina Baie des Anges. We are also going to create our own Boat Club. The sharing industry is a strong trend that is growing stronger in the current crisis" concludes the director of Sodeports.
