Concerns over the future of Fontvieille’s retail community came sharply into focus on Monday, February 9, as a significant number of businesses inside the shopping centre opted not to open, signalling their opposition to the redevelopment plans put forward by the Prince’s Government. The symbolic closure was intended to draw attention to what traders describe as a critical lack of visibility about their prospects once the project reaches completion.
Retailers insist the debate is not about resisting change. Most acknowledge that the centre requires renewal to meet modern standards. The issue, they say, is the absence of clear, written assurances that existing businesses will be offered a place in the new complex once construction is finished, currently projected for 2028. Without such guarantees, many fear that years, or even decades of commercial activity could simply be erased.
According to Philippe Clérissi, who represents the shopkeepers through the centre’s joint association, the uncertainty has weighed heavily on the entire site. While discussions with the authorities remain open, he admits the prolonged ambiguity has taken a toll on confidence, with traders increasingly worried about their long-term viability.
Staff working in the centre share those concerns. For many employees, the redevelopment raises uncomfortable questions about job security and continuity. Some joined the action to underline that behind the shopfronts are livelihoods at stake, not just leases and floor plans.
The retailers are now seeking direct engagement with the government in the hope of reaching a clearer framework for the future, one that balances Monaco’s urban ambitions with the preservation of the commercial and human fabric of Fontvieille.
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