France launches consultation for 10 ‘Neighbourhoods of Tomorrow’
18 November 2024
France has launched an international consultation programme for the transformation of priority urban neighbourhoods, as part of its broader Neighbourhoods 2030 plan.
(PHOTO: Adobe Stock)
The 10 Neighbourhoods of Tomorrow (Quartiers de Demain) initiative aims to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and attractive living environment for residents.
Led by the public interest group Europe des Projets Architecturaux et Urbains (EPAU), the consultation programme seeks to address challenges posed by ecological, social, and cultural transitions in urban areas.
“The projects will tackle issues such as climate adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and circular economy principles, ensuring long-term sustainability,” organisers stated.
Multidisciplinary teams comprised of architects, urban & landscape designers, and specialist engineers, are invited to enter the consultation process for one of the 10 sites, and to participate in a site visit and a competitive dialogue process.
30 multidisciplinary teams, three per site, will be selected in January 2025 to develop the 10 transformation projects.
“This initiative creates a national dynamic in support of urban policy, enabling experimentation and setting a precedent for future transformations,” said representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Housing.
Details of the Selected Neighbourhoods
The 10 neighbourhoods, located across France, include diverse urban contexts:
1. Marseille (Quartier du Petit Séminaire): Transformation of a densely populated area.
2. Sedan (Quartier du Lac): Renewal of a deprived area.
3. Lodève (Centre-Ville): Riverbank redevelopment and building refurbishment.
4. Le Mans (Quartier des Sablons): Revitalisation of a shopping centre and surrounding spaces.
5. Colmar (Quartier Europe-Schweitzer): Creation of public spaces on disused land.
6. Caen (Quartier Grâce de Dieu): Apartment block redevelopment.
7. Manosque (Quartier Est): Development of recreational and public spaces.
8. Pessac (Quartier de Saige): Enhancements to public spaces.
9. Corbeil-Essonnes (Les Tarterêts): Restoration of a heritage boiler house and its surroundings.
10. Coulommiers (Quartier des Templiers): Consolidation of schools and childcare facilities.
The opportunities for demolition contractors and recycling companies
1. France’s Neighbourhoods of Tomorrow initiative directly offers significant business opportunities. The large-scale urban regeneration projects require dismantling, site clearance, and material recovery—and participating in these high-profile projects also places companies at the forefront of transformative urban developments.
2. The initiative also emphasises sustainability, with a strong focus on material reuse, circular economy practices, and waste reduction. Contractors with experience in environmentally responsible methods can demonstrate their value and align with growing global expectations for green practices.
3. Neighbourhoods of Tomorrow is designed to showcase innovation in urban regeneration. For contractors, this is an opportunity to shape and influence emerging standards in sustainable development while improving public and industry perceptions of their work. Being involved in these projects could help set benchmarks for the future, highlighting the critical role demolition and recycling play in building resilient, modern cities.
For more information, visit: Neighbourhoods of tomorrow | International Consulting
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