It was a love story without a cloud between 2015 and 2020. That between revelers, artists, the world of solidarity and the concept of “Great Neighbors” on the wasteland of the former Saint-Vincent-de-hospital. Paul in the 14th century, avenue Denfert-Rochereau. The 2021 version will be available “at the beginning of July at the latest” – according to Emmanuel Grégoire (PS) the first deputy of Anne Hidalgo (PS) – on the site of the ZAC of Bercy-Charenton (12th century) between the SNCF tracks and the peripheral. a place which will see in a few years buildings pushed out but also a college and a wooded park.
Bars, culture and solidarity
“We were trying to keep this site alive for the time of citizen consultation,” attacks the elected Parisian. Several project phases are expected in this area. In the meantime, we wanted her to be busy. With the SNCF, owner of the premises, we have therefore launched a call for projects for a temporary occupation. Yes We Camp, Plateau Urbain, Coup de Pouce and Ancoats won the day. They were already actors in Grands Neighbors and they presented us with a great project. “If the site of the 14th arrondissement has logically closed because of the start of work, in the 12th, there is still a little margin. So much so that the “lease” is at least two years for these associations. “They are going to make this one hectare and 1000 m2 office space a cultural, festive and united place along the Little Belt”, continues Emmanuel Grégoire. And to detail: “there will be biodiversity, bars, barbecues with free access, culture permanently but also actions in connection with Aurore (Editor’s note: association which supports people in precariousness towards autonomy via housing , care and integration). The activities will be mixed and will take up those which made the success of the Big Neighbors, notably with scientific mediation workshops or outdoor shows. “
Until now, and the immense area of eastern Paris was a no man’s land between Paris and Val-de-Marne. SNCF tracks as far as the eye can see between Bercy, the ring road and Charenton. But urban pressure, the need for housing and equipment have changed the situation. Some 9,000 people should live there by 2030. A project voted under the previous term of Anne Hidalgo who narrowly passed (81 votes for 76 against). David Belliard, at the time leader of the ecologists at the Council of Paris (Editor’s note: he is now deputy for transport), was firmly opposed to this transformation. “We want a city on a human scale, breathing space, green spaces, a quality of life for residents and employees and a more balanced metropolis,” he insisted in early July 2018.
A large wooded park in the pipeline
Since then, the City has overhauled its project and therefore launched a citizen consultation last February to determine the precise future of this 80-hectare ZAC which should end at the beginning of the summer. But what about the six towers (including one of 180 meters), what about green spaces, what about the differences with environmentalists. “With the mayor of the 12th century (Editor’s note: Catherine Baratti-Elbaz until 2020 then Emmanuelle Pierre-Marie) we have always wanted there to be a large wooded park. And this ZAC will make it possible to make a connection between the Bercy park and the Bois de Vincennes via the Porte de Charenton ”, affirms the first Parisian deputy.
While waiting to know precisely what will become of Bercy-Charenton, lovers of united and different places have a new meeting place in the 12th arrondissement a stone’s throw from Ground Control next to Gare de Lyon. With the reopening of terraces and cultural venues, this new Great Neighbors are preparing for good days with this mad desire to enjoy which drives many Parisians and even Ile-de-France residents.
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