The ambitious Charles III Islet construction project at Monaco’s western entrance has encountered a sensitive challenge: the relocation of more than 200 graves. This necessary step has been addressed by Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister of Equipment, Environment, and Urban Planning, who emphasised the government’s commitment to handling the matter with respect and care during a recent press conference.
The Charles III Islet, envisioned as the last major building plot in Monaco, partially encroaches on the lower section of a cemetery, making the relocation of graves an essential prerequisite. Minister Caron-Dagioni assured that the process will be conducted with priority given to the affected families. “We have two years for the town hall, in collaboration with its service provider Somotha, to contact families and prepare for the transfer of the vaults,” she said. “Respect for the families is our watchword.”
The minister highlighted that no action will proceed without the prior agreement of the families involved. “This type of questioning is unfortunately not uncommon, especially when a family member passes and vaults need to be redone,” she explained. However, she assured that the government remains committed to securing family consent before any relocation occurs.
When asked about potential opposition from families, Caron-Dagioni acknowledged the possibility of needing a contingency plan. “If all 200 families do not agree, we are prepared with a Plan B. We are conducting an impact analysis to ensure agility in our approach, even with technically complex and financially significant projects,” she stated.
Details of the alternative plan and its potential effects on the Charles III Islet project will be reviewed in the coming weeks. For now, the government remains focused on balancing development needs with respect for the emotional and cultural significance of the cemetery.
Image: Visual Square Architect François Lallemand/MVRDV
