The Hospice Saint-Jacques has been undergoing restoration since March 2021. This is an exceptional project.
This former hospice, listed as a Historic Monument, whose construction dates back to the 18th century, had deteriorated over the years. The urgency of the work was essential in the eyes of the municipality, which in 2019 had a general diagnosis of the chapel and the north dormitories carried out by Caroline Serra, heritage architect. This study made it possible to take stock and define a program of work to be undertaken. “We knew the roof was in poor condition, with cracks on the vault of the chapel. With the help of the services of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (Drac), the Region and the departmental council, surveys were considered. They revealed that the urgency of the work was real and that action was needed, explains Jérôme Parrilla, deputy for culture and heritage. As the work progressed, a layer of rubble was found in the attic which created a heavy load on the vault. There were also good sides, polychromes appeared in the chapel and on the floor of the dormitory. There was a kind of archeology of the works carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries”.
The first phase of the project concerns the structural reinforcements, the waterproofing of the building, the west, north and east facades of the chapel and its joinery. “It’s a historic project, explains Alain Sanchez, heritage conservation assistant. The hospice has not seen a construction site of such magnitude since its construction in the 18th century. In 100 years, we will remember this site. It will mark the spirits and the history of this exceptional hospital complex. All operations are validated from a scientific point of view by Léda Martines, curator of Historic Monuments and Nelly Creac’h, works and markets, monitoring of operations at the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs Occitanie”.
A building impetus that marked those who are at the heart of the action, like the Sele company, particularly for slate roofing: “It’s llosa de Cerdagne, sorted, calibrated and recut on site. It’s a pleasure to work on listed buildings. at the same time on these positions which are linked and complementary from a technical point of view”, explains David Larigaudrie, branch manager. “We gain in efficiency”, adds Alain Sanchez.
The framework, roofing and attic of the chapel have been restored. The Delestre company redid all the electricity in the attic and the Bodet company restored and reattached the bell according to the rules of the art. These operations were completed in December 2021.
The first phase for the chapel amounts to €677,225 excluding VAT. It is financed up to 40% by the Drac, 20% by the Region, 20% by the Department and 20% by municipal self-financing. These partners are following the municipality for the second phase of the project, the operations of which are in progress.
Work that is used to rethink the operation of the Hospici, on themes worked with the Association for the development of the Pyrenees through training. “We have to manage to create a point of influence towards all the tangible and intangible heritage of the city. It is in this sense that we acquired the Darde house and that we are part of the continuation of the Small Towns of Tomorrow programme”, emphasizes Jérôme Parrilla.
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