Transforming Sidi Bernoussi into a Coastal Paradise
In an inspiring move reflecting the successful initiatives in Yacoub El Mansour, Rabat, the local authorities of Casablanca are currently exploring the feasibility of an ambitious project aimed at constructing a large seaside swimming pool along the coastline of Sidi Bernoussi. This initiative is not just a standalone venture but part of a broader effort to revitalize the coastal area, which involves reclaiming a piece of municipal land that has, until now, been leased to a private entity. As reported by fr.le360.ma.
The authorities are keenly assessing the potential of this large-scale seaside pool as part of an overarching strategy to enhance the public shoreline. The project is a result of the impending termination of a tourism space that has been leased out but is now set to be reclaimed by the municipality. Discussions are actively ongoing regarding the redevelopment of this site, with various architectural scenarios under consideration.
Reliable sources indicate that the local wilaya has issued strict directives to cease the operations of the existing tourism complex upon the expiration of its rental contract, which is nearing its end. Furthermore, any transfer or re-letting of this space to a private entity has been explicitly prohibited. This decisive action aims to prevent any further private exploitation of public land.
Strategic Coastal Development Plans
In tandem with these developments, the coastal area of the Aïn Sebaa corniche is poised for significant transformation. As revealed by Nabila Rmili, the mayor of Casablanca, a new urban redevelopment plan has recently been approved by the Casablanca Urban Agency, which outlines the progressive development of these coastal spaces. This plan designates certain areas as non-buildable, potentially leading to expropriations and ultimately expanding the Aïn Sebaa corniche project.
This strategic approach addresses a longstanding discrepancy: while the tourism complex generates substantial income for its operator, the municipality has only been receiving a modest annual rent of 100,000 dirhams. Consequently, authorities decided to provide the tenant with a reasonable notice period before the site’s closure following a site visit conducted by the regional wali.
Moreover, under the direction of Wali Mohamed Mhidia, the authorities of the Sidi Bernoussi district are undertaking extensive operations to liberate the maritime public domain along the coastal strip adjacent to the Zenata region. These urgent actions form part of a broader strategic plan aimed at revitalizing the waterfront of Morocco's economic capital, signaling a new era of development for the coastal areas.
