The aim of this call for projects is to highlight the exceptional railway heritage that is the bearer of Dionysian industrial history and to define the identity of the future district through an ambitious and emblematic urban project. Eiffage Aménagement and Aire Nouvelle, an Equans France entity, are the winning consortium in this call for projects, thanks to a proposal for a pioneering eco-responsible and cultural district, open to the city and the landscape.
Located in the town of Saint-Denis, the 6-hectare site, known as the Cathedrals of the Railways, occupies a strategic geographical position for the area, with a strong development potential. To transform this emblematic site, which has been disused for 24 years and is marked by the presence of its former railway halls, which are listed as historic monuments, SNCF Immobilier, in partnership with the City of Saint-Denis and Plaine Commune, launched a call for operators in July 2021 to carry out a new urban project. The "cathedrals", so called because of their imposing structures, were built in reinforced concrete with brick infill, covered with vaults and frames that were themselves made of concrete.
Beyond the rehabilitation of these former maintenance workshops of 8400 m², the ambition of Eiffage Aménagement and Aire Nouvelle for this new cultural district is to create a dialogue between the industrial past and popular art, in line with the cultural ambitions of the region, with the aim of designating the city of Saint-Denis as the European capital of culture in 2028.
To sum up, the Cathedrals of the Rail project consists of 8,400 m2 of former workshops, destined to house the largest museum dedicated to street art and hip-hop in France, "Aerosol Saint-Denis". This museum will be supported by two historical actors, Maquis-Art and Hip Hop Citoyens.
But it is also an innovative place within an eco-district combining eco-construction, circular economy, ecomobility, renewable energy and virtuous rainwater management. 650 trees will be planted in a park of approximately 1.7 hours, to magnify the Cathedrals of Rail. In addition, 650 housing units will be created, 30% of which will be under a real joint lease, 20% of which will be social rental housing and 50% will be open to the public, as well as local shops. Local public facilities will also be integrated into the project, such as a crèche and a mother and child protection centre (PMI).
"This project allows us to implement the core of our expertise: revitalising an industrial wasteland, giving it meaning and balance. What better answer than urban cultures to participate in the reconstruction of the city on the city? Nicolas Gravit, Director of Eiffage Aménagement
Congratulations to our teams and our partners MAQUIS-ART, Hip Hop Citoyens, D&A (Devillers & Associés), Monchecourt & Co, Atelier Coloco, TERAO, CAPTOWN, Beaux Arts & Cie, VALGO Groupe - Sites et sols pollués, LOGABAT INGENIERIE and Végétude.