If you regularly drive into the parking levels of the Centre Commercial de Fontvieille, a subtle but important shift is about to take place.
Starting almost 2 weeks ago on February 16, the Principality started to press the refresh button, not on the shops, not on the brands, but beneath your feet. Or rather, beneath your wheels.
A Quiet Revolution in Motion
The Government of Monaco has announced the replacement of the moving walkways that connect the two parking levels to the shopping centre. These travelators, often taken for granted, are about to undergo a full transformation.
Why?
Because comfort and safety are no longer luxuries. They are expectations.
This upgrade is one of the first visible steps in a broader modernization plan for the Fontvieille commercial complex, a site long considered a practical retail hub, now poised for a gradual rise in standards.
A specialized company, selected through a formal tender process, is overseeing the works.
Business as Usual: Almost
Major works in a commercial centre often trigger one immediate fear: disruption.
This time, authorities are playing it strategically.
The intervention will be phased, meaning the moving walkways will not all be shut down at once. At least one circulation route will remain operational throughout the works.
Most notably …The upward direction, from parking to shops, will remain accessible at all times. Access to the hypermarket and retail stores will therefore stay smooth and uninterrupted. The message is clear: shop first, inconvenience second.
Elevators Take the Spotlight
While the upward flow is secured, customers are encouraged to use elevators, particularly when heading down.
To make this temporary adjustment easier: Shopping trolley (cart) collection points will be installed near the parking elevators. Additional trolley stations will be positioned near public restrooms and other strategic areas. These arrangements were coordinated between the shopping centre’s management and the hypermarket operators, aiming to protect customer habits while keeping safety standards high.
More Than Just Infrastructure
On paper, this is a technical upgrade. In reality, it signals something broader.
The replacement of the moving walkways represents the opening move in a larger transformation strategy, a gradual enhancement of the Fontvieille site designed to elevate its appeal without pausing its activity. No dramatic closures.
No commercial blackout. Just careful, progressive improvement.
What This Means for You
If you’re heading to the Fontvieille shopping centre …Expect minor changes in parking circulation. Keep elevators in mind, especially when descending. Look for temporary trolley stations near elevators. Allow a few extra minutes, just in case
But rest assured: the shops remain open, accessible, and ready.
