If someone had told me one day that the first French shopping centre CAP 3000 in Nice would be elected “Best centre in the world”, I would have laughed in your face!
But since life is full of surprises and nothing is impossible, I say YES! In this article, we will see the evolution of the most famous shopping centre on the French Riviera over the years and it is worth the diversions.
1. CAP 3000, ten years ago
I discovered CAP 3000 in 2013, back when it was just a big charmless block with its 3000 open-air parking spaces (because yes 3000 refers to the numbers of spaces 🙂 ). The shopping centre, which is located opposite Nice Côte d’Azur airport, was really not attractive at that time. Its architecture was very classical and without modernity. Its only asset, I would say, was its location by the sea. I rarely went there and when I did, it was mainly to go to the pharmacy, which was known in the region for its very good prices.
CAP 3000 in 1969
Source https://associationprise2.wordpress.com/
2. The arrival of Polygone Riviera
And then it took the arrival of Polygone Riviera in 2015 for things to finally get moving. At the time, CAP3000 Nice was just an 85,000 sq. m. closed block housing 50 shops. Polygone Riviera arrived in force with an innovative concept that was unprecedented in France:
- that of offering a unique open-air shopping experience
- in a natural environment where 1000 trees are planted
- over 70,000m2 mixing premium fashion, contemporary art and entertainment
- with an ultra-modern, uncluttered design for 150 shops
Unique open-air shopping experience in a 100% natural setting
Source Polygone Riviera
So panic aboard at CAP 3000, the shopping centre wishing to maintain its position as leader in the region is preparing for a total facelift by entrusting the developer Altarea-Cogedim.
3. CAP 3000 Nice in the midst of renovation
The CAP 3000 centre was opened in October 1969 and immediately established itself as a leader in the region and at national level. Indeed, it was the first shopping centre to be built in France. Today, it is the 5th largest shopping centre.
Since then, many centres have appeared all over France, but on the Côte d’Azur, CAP 3000 has always held the monopoly. In 2015, when Polygone Riviera was about to open its doors, CAP 3000 was in the midst of a major renovation. This will last until 2021, i.e. 6 years of hard work on a daily basis to offer the best shopping experience to customers.
Its key strength? Its seaside location and, as you will have understood, its strategy will essentially be based on this axis.
On the menu:
- Expansion of the number of brands to 300 shops
- Extension of the commercial area from 85,000m2 to 135,000m2
- Expansion of the car park from 3000 to 4800 spaces
- Increase in the number of restaurants opening onto the sea with 5000m2 of terrace + panoramic view
- Increase in staff from 1500 to 2300
- Modernisation of the façade
4. CAP 3000 rises from the ashes
A real renovation project that will have lasted 6 years. It was as if the whole city of Nice was undergoing work at the same time, because at the same time, two new tram lines were created that revolutionised the life of the people of Nice!
What a surprise it was for me to walk around the new CAP 3000… I used to reproach this region for being behind in everything, for lacking modernity…etc. This time, I had this sensation all of a sudden, of being teleported to London or Paris or even DUBAI (I exaggerate lol). But I have to admit that I had a blast walking around inside and outside: the LEDs on the ceiling, the design, the modernity, the windows of the new shops, the artworks… A real architectural feat! It is even more striking for those who knew CAP 3000 before the renovations.
And then to top it all off, the little icing on the cake was when I went to visit the famous sports and wellness centre, the Club Metropolitan Nice. The panoramic view over the sea and the hills of the Col de Vence, I was amazed!
CAP 3000 is modernising with ALTEREA COGEDIM
Source rtf.fr
5. CAP 3000 wins the Grail at MIPIM
Although the new, more modern, more refreshing, brighter CAP 3000 has only been open to the public for a year (if we don’t take the pandemic into account), it has been selected in the “Best Shopping Center 2022” category at MIPIM (International Market for Real Estate Professionals). This major global real estate trade fair rewards the most outstanding real estate projects in the world. In the final with the centres The Ring in Hong Kong and Viala Estacion de Vigo in Spain, the jury finally awarded this international prize to CAP 3000 on Friday 18 March at the Cannes Festival. A fine example of success of which we, the French and the people of Nice, can be proud!
Because yes, I feel a little proud for CAP 3000, knowing that I go there three times a week. Indeed, the Club Metropolitan Nice is located on the top floor of the shopping centre.
In general, I have seen the evolution of Nice in ten years and I am very happy to see it modernising.
