Call for Expressions of Interest Issued for Quai des Antilles

Building on the momentum generated by an initial Call for Expressions of Interest (CEI) for the redevelopment of the Quai Marquis d’Aiguillon quay, Nantes ‒ Saint Nazaire Port is embarking on a new flagship project with the launch of a CEI for the regeneration of the upstream section of the Quai des Antilles quay, in the heart of the Île de Nantes district of the City.

Located at the south-western end of Île de Nantes, between the Parc des Chantiers site and the tip of the Island, Quai des Antilles quay today represents an iconic location on the banks of the River Loire. It combines a port identity with cultural, tourist and leisure appeal. The scope of the CEI covers a large site upstream of the quay, which currently accommodates buildings that have become obsolete. The site is fully integrated within the dynamics of the major urban development project for the Île de Nantes district, led by Nantes Metropolitan District Council and SAMOA, and interacts directly with other projects close by: the Prairie-au-Duc district, the Jardins de l’Estuaire et du Rail gardens, and the future Grand Metropolitan Park on the banks of the Loire.

Devising New Uses and Reinforcing Quai des Antilles’ Role in the Metropolitan Environment

Nantes ‒ Saint Nazaire Port’s aim is to develop a landmark project that reflects the Metropolitan Area’s ambition to focus on the Loire and the Port’s contribution to economic development and to sustainable regional planning and development.

Candidates will be asked to propose a mix of economic activities that is consistent with the urban development plan for the Île de Nantes district. These new activities should reinforce and revitalize the unique character of Quai des Antilles as a destination, and encourage daily, daytime use of the site, highlighting its connection to the Loire.

Nantes ‒ Saint Nazaire Port is seeking to select an economic operator capable of designing, delivering and operating an ambitious property development project that takes into account the site’s port-based heritage. The successful candidate will operate under a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) for the Port Authority area. This procedure constitutes a preliminary publication and selection process with a view to awarding a permit to occupy the Port Authority area, in accordance with France’s General Code on Public Ownership. It is not a public procurement procedure, nor does it involve the signing of a concession agreement. The deadline for submitting applications is 24th July 2026. This will be followed by a phase of tender submissions and dialogue with the shortlisted candidates. The provisional timetable at this stage provides for the successful applicant to be designated by the spring of 2027.

This new consultation forms part of the proactive real-estate policy pursued by Nantes ‒ Saint Nazaire Port to develop its derelict port sites in the City Centre, to enhance its appeal and to actively contribute to the Regional Community’s economic development in partnership with Local and Regional Government. This regeneration is now a key growth driver in Nantes ‒ Saint Nazaire Port’s strategic plan, contributing to the evolution of its economic model by generating revenue streams that offer an alternative to those derived from maritime traffic.

Find out more at: https://www.nantes.port.fr/en/port-professionals/real-estate-offers