The City of Poitiers presented its urban district project around the former courthouse, with the ambition of making it an open and lively public square, in the heart of the city. Around the building and within it, enthusiasm predominates.
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The Palace of the Dukes has a bright future ahead of it. In any case, this is what the City of Poitiers promises through its Palais district project, presented on site to patrons and partners. It is the Atelier Novembre, known for the Centquatre project in Paris, which was selected, among a hundred candidates, to lead this transformation project.
This team first of all wants to create a crossing public space, which goes around the palace (something impossible as it is) and will include several islands of freshness – via a hanging garden, shaded terraces – and a café-restaurant area. “There is a great deal of expectation from traders around this transformation, confides Pierre-Marie Moreau, the president of Poitiers le Center. This will create attractiveness. There was a need for a restaurant and accommodation in the neighborhood. “ This is also planned in the project: rooms for groups and artists in residence will take place upstairs. “So as not to compete with the hotel offer in the center”, specifies Charles Reverchon-Billot, deputy in charge of public spaces delegated to cultural rights.
Because the building is also intended to receive various cultural events, in particular in a “black box” which will be fitted out in the current exhibition hall. This type of space has the advantage of maximum flexibility, adapting to any stage device. “There was an identified lack of this type of immersive equipment, which complements existing cultural structures”, note Charles Reverchon-Billot
Delivery in 2026
” It’s interesting “, confides Hervé Guyonnet. The co-founder of Quiproquos Théâtre took over the Palais on August 20, in one of the available offices, just like Hybrid Films. The two Poitou associations had expressed the need to have premises with the municipality. “We have large offices here that can store archives and equipment, a large meeting room … The setting is super pleasant and the access times (8 am-10pm) are practical”, confides Hervé Guyonnet. Only downside: the lack of direct access to an Internet connection. “But it’s in the pipes. ” In the final project, the association space could house a dozen structures.
Other spaces (tertiary, administrative, etc.) will fill the rehabilitated Palace by 2026. But already, many are congratulating themselves on a project. ” living “ and ” open “ on the city and the population. Moreover, a report will soon be communicated on the uses of the Palace by the inhabitants. “This project should help breathe new life into the city center, repeated Léonore Moncond’huy, the mayor. It will not happen without the Poitevins. “ The works, they should not start until the beginning of the year 2024. Estimated budget: 55M €.
DR – Sébastien Laval
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