The Monegasque government has unveiled plans to enhance the Pêcheurs car park on the Rock by adding two additional levels, aiming to accommodate heavy goods vehicles and streamline pedestrian traffic. This initiative also includes a modernisation of the shopping arcade within the facility, integrating it seamlessly with its maritime surroundings.
In the preliminary budget for 2025, passed by the National Council on Thursday, 300,000 euros has been allocated for feasibility studies related to the project. Government advisor Céline Caron-Dagioni highlighted the growing need for dedicated storage areas for heavy vehicles, particularly those supporting large-scale events like the Monaco Grand Prix and the Yacht Show. “This will help free up public roads, making the city more efficient during high-demand periods,” she explained, Monaco-Matin reports.
The pressure to find additional space has intensified as parking slots in the Pêcheurs car park have been repurposed to install electric charging stations for the Monaco Bus Company (CAM), aligning with the government’s decarbonisation strategy.
The project’s scope extends beyond simply raising the car park. Plans include modernising the shopping mall and ensuring the structure aligns with the surrounding maritime landscape. Collaboration with the Oceanographic Museum is also in progress to address functional and accessibility needs. The redesign aims to resolve pedestrian flow issues, which currently pose conflicts with vehicle movements.
However, the proposal has sparked debate among elected officials. Concerns were raised by Nicolas Croesi and Jade Aureglia about the impact of tourist buses entering the city centre, particularly during peak times. Both suggested relocating bus parking to the Salines car park at the city’s entrance, with Aureglia criticising the lack of foresight in previous infrastructure projects. “We spent hundreds of millions on facilities without considering parking spaces for larger buses. Now, we’re introducing them into the city centre when they could park elsewhere,” she remarked.
Karen Aliprendi proposed a ban on buses exceeding 30 seats, suggesting that organisations use smaller vehicles and park them at Les Salines. She argued this approach would reduce congestion while generating additional state revenue.
The expansion and modernisation of the Pêcheurs car park remain central to the government’s plans for improving urban efficiency and supporting major events, but the debate underscores the challenges of balancing development with sustainability and urban logistics.
