The Pêcheurs car park on Monaco’s Rock is poised for a major transformation. The government has allocated €300,000 in its 2025 preliminary budget to explore the feasibility of raising the structure by two levels. But this isn’t just about adding more space—this project embodies Monaco’s ambitions to modernize urban logistics, streamline transportation, and align development with sustainability goals.
A Car Park with a Mission
The proposed expansion aims to serve as more than just a parking facility. It will accommodate heavy goods vehicles and buses that are integral to major events like the Monaco Grand Prix and Yacht Show, reducing congestion on public roads. This car park acts as a logistical backbone for assembling public events, has explained Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Equipment, Environment, and Urban Planning.
The need for space is particularly acute as the Pêcheurs car park has already lost several slots to electric charging stations, installed as part of the government’s decarbonization efforts. By raising the car park, the government hopes to strike a balance between advancing green initiatives and maintaining critical urban infrastructure.
More Than Parking: A Comprehensive Revamp
The government envisions a broader overhaul of the Pêcheurs site. Plans include modernizing the shopping arcade within the car park and enhancing its integration with the seafront environment. Collaboration with the Oceanographic Museum is underway to address accessibility and functionality concerns.
Pedestrian flows—a longstanding challenge in the older structure—will also be reimagined to separate foot traffic from vehicles, ensuring a safer and more efficient experience for all users.
The Debate Over Tourist Buses
The proposal has sparked heated debate among National Council members. Critics have expressed concern about allowing large tourist buses to park in the city centre, especially during peak periods.
One of the questions is why buses are being directed into the heart of Monaco when they could park at the Salines car park near the city entrance? Previous infrastructure investments have appeared to fail to account for larger vehicle parking.The debate on this included even the idea of banning buses with more than 30 seats. Using multiple smaller buses, parking them at Les Salines which is equipped to house smaller buses has some logic. This approach could not only serve to reduce congestion but could also generate additional state revenue, it is argued.
A Balancing Act
The Pêcheurs car park project encapsulates Monaco’s broader challenges: balancing growth and sustainability while meeting the logistical demands of high-profile events. As the government prepares to launch feasibility studies, the debate underscores the complexity of urban planning in a city that is both a bustling global destination and a tightly packed urban hub.
With its dual focus on modernizing infrastructure and supporting Monaco’s environmental goals, the expansion of the Pêcheurs car park is set to shape the Principality’s future. Whether it can satisfy logistical needs while addressing residents’ concerns remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Monaco is raising the bar, and the stakes, for urban development.
