Supporting the conversion of underutilized railway buildings in the Belcier neighborhood into spaces for the social and solidarity economy

SNCF Immobilier has initiated a study on the conversion of two buildings located in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Jean Station. An assessment of local stakeholders reveals a strong enthusiasm for creating hybrid spaces in the neighborhood, where community and entrepreneurial initiatives could find the space they currently lack or have very little of in urban renewal projects. On one hand, Building 33 will be transformed for a period of 8 years into a space for sharing, work, and cultural activities by the project leader “PREAU,” selected through a call for proposals. At the same time, the large “Halles Armagnac” complex, located along the southern rail corridor, possesses undeniable architectural qualities; however, a structural analysis reveals the need for extensive interventions and renovations before new uses can be considered. To stimulate collective discussion with stakeholders from the social and solidarity economy (SSE) and circular economy sectors and to ensure the emergence of a third-place project aligned with the ongoing transformation of the Belcier neighborhood, Plateau Urbain, the agency deux degrés, and SNCF Immobilier jointly led an innovative consultation process aimed at bringing together and selecting a team to carry out this third-place project.