Youth club and retirement home to open this year.

Construction work is coming to an end at two locations in Monaco. The Centre des Jeunes should open in June, and the A Quietudine sheltered accommodation in April.

The building site for the youth club was officially opened by Prince Albert in December 2007, with construction being carried out by local firm SAM Epicure. French architect Jean-Pierre Lott designed the building itself, which will have 5 floors and a surface area between 4000 and 5000 m sq. Initial plans were for a bowling alley, night club, sports hall, video games, billiards, skating rink and snack bar.

The location of the new Centre des Jeunes is in the Portier area, just by the entrance to the tunnel below the Fairmont Hotel. Its opening was originally penciled in for May, but is now expected to be June. Final preparations are being kept under wraps for the moment.

Senior Monegasques and residents will be able to make use of their new facilities a couple of months earlier. The retirement home A Quietudine is already taking applications following the Government announcement last November that it would open on 5 April 2010. Situated on the avenue du Port in La Condamine, it has 70 rooms destined for people aged 60+ who have a high level of mobility and independence. Pensioners will benefit from qualified nursing and home help, and fees will depend on the type of room (floor, view, surface area) and the level of autonomy. Places are available for Monegasque nationals and residents who have lived in the Principality for at least 5 years before applying. Financial aid is also available from the Office de Protection Sociale.