Who still remembers that on Avenue Jules-Grec, in place of this monumental metal structure which emerges from the ground, was the old main building of the nautical stadium?
Today, the City ofAntibes achève son “last structuring project” by carrying out for almost two years the demolition and reconstruction of the old building, built in 1976. In its place, its worthy successor should take over from the second quarter of 2027.
In the deafening hubbub of large construction sitethe workers are busy under the forty meters of framework which overhang the enclosure: “There are approximately 800 m2 of water bodies distributed in three pools: a sports lane with swimming lanes, a learning lane and a fun one dedicated to well-beingsays the works director, Pierre Lainé. The stands will accommodate up to 500 people. »
The cost of such equipment is as high as its ambition: 37.75 million euros excluding taxes, divided between the Region, the Department, the urban area (Casa) and the municipality.
“Without even having to set foot in the water”
During his stage visit Thursday April 2, 2026, which marked the end of structural workMayor Jean Leonetti did not come alone.
At his side, it’s impossible to miss the 1.96 m height of Alain Bernard, his deputy for Youth and former high-level French swimmer.
“As a member of the Cercle des Nageurs d’Antibes, I tried to bring my vision on the occupation of spacesays the elected official. A twenty-five meter swimming pool supplemented by a learning pool was the condition sine qua non to meet the needs. »
Perfectly suited to the Aquatic Ease Plan, a device allowing children aged 4 to 6 to prepare them to avoid potential drowning.
But the municipality does not only want to combine the water sports stadium with swimming. On the contrary, as Alain Bernard points out by designating the future dining and fitness area située au second étage : “We will also go there to relax, practice another sport or have other fun. It will be possible to come and eat a salad, on the terrace, without even having to set foot in the water. »
All this, facing the big blue sea and the two already existing fifty-meter outdoor pools.
“We are on schedule perfectly”
The cost of such equipment is as high as its ambition: 37.75 million euros excluding taxes, distributed between the Region, the Department, the agglomeration (Casa) and the municipality.
Photo Arnaud Ciaravino
Halfway through the delivery of the building, what remains to be done? Construction helmet on his head and affable smile, Pierre Lainé traces the final straight with confidence: “The concrete and metal framework are completed. We are now beginning the covered enclosure phase – exterior joinery, sealing, fluid connections – as well as the second Å“uvreincluding the tiling which will start next month »details the representative of the Coste architectural firm, agent in charge of the site.
Asked about the work deadlines, slightly disrupted by recent bad weather, Pierre Lainé assures that they are not in danger either: “We are on schedule perfectly.â€
To achieve this, a forty construction professionals work tirelessly on site, investing one million euros each month. Everyone must deal with the technical challenges that such an architecture represents.
Pierre Lainé sketches its outlines: “The great particularity lies in the exceptional span of the metal framework. You have to imagine that an entire floor, including the restaurant located at the tip of the building, rests entirely on it, without an intermediate post. A truly exceptional achievement on this scale. »
Enough to make Jean Leonetti soberly say, satisfied: “It’s a great project.”
