The former home of the SAS Prince of Monaco Car Collection, which has remained vacant since summer 2022, may soon be repurposed for a new, albeit temporary, use. According to a report by Monaco Matin, the space will be transformed into a karting track.

While the name of the operator remains under wraps, Finance and Economy Minister Pierre-André Chiappori reportedly confirmed that the winning bidder has been selected following a public tender process.

As reported by local newspaper Monaco Matin, the use of the space is expected to be temporary, with the lease set to expire at the end of 2025. “We do not want to commit to the future of a space whose future remains uncertain,” Chiappori explained.

The minister was referencing the Fontvielle shopping centre redevelopment project, which is still being explored by the Monaco Government.

The timeline for the opening of the karting track is unclear, as it depends on the work required by the new tenant. “The minimum duration for the necessary work will depend on technical possibilities,” said Chiappori. 

Nonetheless, the newspaper reports that there is pressure for the operator to move forward swiftly.

The news follows the closure of Kart Indoor Monaco, a popular attraction in the Pêcheurs carpark for over a decade, which was forced to cease operating in November 2023 to make way for electric charging stations for the Principality’s new fleet of municipal buses, marking the end of a beloved venue that had drawn motorsport stars like Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, as well as countless enthusiasts.

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Main photo by Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life