Mareterra, the future ninth district of the Principality

24 February 2022

Mareterra, also called Portier Cove, is the future ninth district of the Principality of Monaco. Currently under construction, this major project will extend from Port Hercule to Larvotto beach.

Since 2016, a multitude of specialists are ensuring, with their teams, the smooth running of this ambitious construction. Among them, architects, engineers, marine scientists, environmental experts, landscapers and many more. Indeed, an incredible range of expertise works daily to complete the offshore extension of the Principality.

Each of these players works with one goal in mind, to create harmony between the natural environment and human developments.

The Residences

From a real estate point of view, the Mareterra project momentarily solves the challenge of the Principality’s narrowness. Indeed, to extend its territory, Monaco can only turn to the sea. Thus, 20% of the Principality’s surface has already been gained through several extensions on the sea.

The Renzo is a 17-storey building on the west side of Mareterra. It overlooks the harbor, the restaurants and the numerous shops of this area. The building consists of ground floor apartments, duplexes, triplexes and a penthouse on four floors. Each residence features breathtaking views, high-end finishes and luxury amenities. Residents will have access to a seawater swimming pool: the Princess Charlene Pool.

The Jardins d’Eau is a complex of four residences, combining modernity and sobriety, and including 58 flats. The luxurious flats, with large balconies, have an average surface area of 300sqm. These properties offer a breathtaking sea view. Naturally, these sumptuous residences offer top-of-the-range services. These include spas, gyms, beauty salons and swimming pools.

A little further on, are The Townhouses, four spacious townhouses that blend in perfectly with the landscape. An interior patio allows residents to view the greenery outside from the comfort of their flat.

To conclude this section dedicated to real estate on the offshore extension, let’s zoom in on the 10 incredible villas that will be built by 2025. Indeed, these very high-end homes with unique architecture are located on the seafront and on the hillside. The terraces offer their residents a dazzling view of the Mediterranean Sea on the one hand, and the Principality on the other.

The neighbourhood

This ninth Monegasque district has been designed to fit perfectly into the Principality’s current landscape. Indeed, the district, with its Mediterranean colours and fragrances, is in perfect harmony with the warm and friendly atmosphere of the South of France. Numerous green space professionals work to highlight the beauty of the Mediterranean vegetation. Thus, 27,000m² of planted areas embellish the green spaces and other public parks of Mareterra. The project manager for green spaces, Georges RESTELLINO, has played a role in the creation of several parks and gardens in the Principality. Among others, the Roseraie Princesse Grace, the Japanese Garden and the Parc de Fontvieille.

As the name Mareterra suggests, this neighbourhood is located between land and sea. As a result, the green spaces are located on the coastline, only a few steps from the sea. The new district has a small marina, which can accommodate about fifteen boats. Most of the restaurants, bars and shops are located in this entertainment port.

Moreover, the advantage of this new district also lies in the fact that it is mainly pedestrian. Residents can walk along the seafront, from the new port to the conference centre Grimaldi Forum, towards the Larvotto.

An eco-responsible project

Numerous measures were taken to carry out this large-scale project while preserving the environment. Prior to the construction site, underwater research, surveys and species transfers were carried out to ensure their sustainability. Numerous experts in marine biology are actively involved in preserving the ecosystem at the construction site. These experts ensure that strict environmental rules are respected at every stage of the project.

Both the construction site and the future district are subject to strict measures to respect and preserve nature. Mareterra’s energy sources are mainly renewable, in order to limit their impact on the environment.

On the other hand, the various plants and trees present on Mareterra are the result of the reflection of an Italian nurseryman, Alessandro MANGONI, who is an expert in environmentally friendly growing techniques. It is for this reason that Pistoia Nurseries has been supplying the Principality with trees and plants of all kinds for many years. With his team, he is in charge of the 1,100 trees that will be planted on Mareterra.

In conclusion, this eco-district is expected to emerge in 2025. However, the construction site is 6 months ahead of schedule, which could bring the delivery date forward to around the end of 2024. This offshore extension is ideal for reconnecting with both the sea and nature. Its architecture and Mediterranean vegetation make this place a calm and peaceful refuge.

To sum up Mareterra is :

• 60,000 sqm on the sea
• 2 billion euros of investment
• 800+ workers
• 5 buildings
• 110 flats
• 10 villas
• 4 townhouses
• 120,000€ to 150,000€ per sqm
• +1000 trees planted
• 9,000m² of solar panels
• 19,000m² pedestrian zone

Sources :

• mareterra.com
• L’observateur, « Extension en mer à Monaco : des appartements et des villas à plus de 100 000 euros le m2 ? », 2020