Monaco to Extend its Territory
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Greifenberg Press Agency (GPA)
GREIFENBERG (GPA): According to a number of sources, there exists a secret plan by Prince Albert II of Monaco to enlarge his principality by extending it out to sea on stilts. The names of several renowned architects, including Norman Foster, I. M. Pei, and Daniel Libeskind, have been reportedly associated with the multi-billion Euro project to extend the Principality of Monaco, which covers less than one square mile, out to sea. The project, which once started would take approximately 10 years to complete, would include apartments, shops, mooring for yachts and other facilities.
The Monaco extension (or “urbanization”) project is expected to add around 10 hectares (approximately 25 acres) to Monaco's land surface at Le Portier near the Grand Prix tunnel. The principality has already increased its surface area by 25 per cent in the past 150 years creating a peninsula and reclaiming 22 hectares (approximately 54 acres) of land from the sea to create the Fontvielle business district.
Although the winner of the design contract is expected to be announced later this year, Monegasque officials are cautious, stating that in view of the current global financial crisis, the proposals will be "reviewed" to ensure "clear and trustworthy" financing guarantees.
The bidder's task has been made fiendishly complex by the eco-conscious Prince Albert II who has insisted that the entire extension should be built on stilts like an oil rig in order not to disrupt the marine life beneath. Given the depth of the Mediterranean Sea, which is over 40 meters (approximately 130 feet) deep in some areas, this will require revolutionary construction techniques. Prince Albert, who drives an electric car and travelled to the North Pole to measure the effects of global warming, has said he wants the vast project to be an eco-showcase that will set an example to the world.
The project will enable 4,000 more people to live in the world's most densely populated country, the current population of which is just over 32,000.
Related Links:
HSH Prince Albert II
Principality of Monaco
