A landscaping project is under way on Avenue des Papalins in Fontvieille, aimed at transforming a key pedestrian route in the district and improving the quality of life of residents and pedestrians.
The project will see existing planters enlarged to create 111 square metres of new green space, forming a continuous green barrier between traffic and pavement, making the area both safer and more pleasant to use.
Seasonal flower beds will be replaced with long-lasting Mediterranean plants designed to provide colour throughout the year.
Additionally, seven new trees will be added, a mix of large-flowered magnolias and bitter orange trees, to complement the citrus trees already lining the street.
Magnolias were selected due to their environmental benefits: their dense canopy can help reduce urban heat, while their leaves trap fine particles from the air.
Meanwhile, all existing trees will be retained, and contractors have been instructed to take particular care to protect their root systems during construction.
The new planters will also include an upgraded watering system, improving water management.
Current use of the avenue will remain in place. However, 32 surface parking spaces for two-wheelers will be removed. In exchange, 52 new two-wheeler spaces will be created inside the Papalins car park, including 14 designated for electric vehicles. This will increase overall capacity while freeing up surface space for greenery.
The works are expected to continue until early March and they form part of Monaco’s National Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to expand green spaces and increase tree planting across the Principality by 2030.
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Main photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life