The plans reveal large sections of greenspace

The government of Prince Albert II first invited bids for the luxury development two years ago in order to ease overcrowding in the tiny Principality, where 36,000 inhabitants currently share just two kilometres of land. It insisted on bids which demonstrate the most rigorous environmental standards with "sustainable urban design" being its guiding principle.

Indeed, green areas are a strong theme in the winning bid, with several swathes of land surrounding the urban development set aside for trees and shrubbery.

Deputy mayor, André Campana, said, “This new district takes into account the characteristics of an urban area, namely the continuity of pedestrian access, quality of public spaces, facades…

“A feature of this space is notably the landscaped public park and the hill, around which the project is based, and the various pedestrian routes which compose it, such as along the sea front. The outdoor areas will also include public spaces and public facilities including parking and a 5,000 m² extension to the Grimaldi Forum.”

The project will create around 60,000 m² of land, including housing for nearly 700 inhabitants and commercial areas. In addition there is a small port. Vehicles will have access to the new area but priority has been given to pedestrian and cyclist access.

Monaco is not only the most densely populated country in the world but also the world's smallest country, after the Vatican City. The land reclamation scheme will increase Monaco’s official territory by approximately 3%.

Monaco abandoned plans in 2008 for a larger land reclamation project due to the global financial crisis.

-Sarah Harvey