The City of Lausanne organized an open day on Saturday at the Pres-de-Vidy site, southwest of the Vaud capital, to take stock of the future eco-district of the Métamorphose project. It was also an opportunity to show the public the archaeological excavations currently being carried out and for four years, after the discovery of a Roman necropolis in this area.
These excavations, necessary before the launch of work on the eco-district, began last September, indicates the Municipality in a press release. Preliminary investigations last year had, in fact, revealed the presence of a Roman necropolis comprising several thousand burials and traces of occupation dating from the Mesolithic era.
Their analysis will provide much-awaited information, particularly in terms of funeral rites and beliefs, social organization and lifestyle of the first occupants of the premises, explains the City. These procedures are carried out under the scientific authority of cantonal archaeology. The most significant discoveries should eventually be exhibited at the Roman Museum of Lausanne-Vidy.
“These archaeological excavations are not only essential for the transformation of this strategic site but also eagerly awaited to inform entire sections of our history,” comments trustee Grégoire Junod, quoted in the press release.
Information house
To provide a meeting place in this district in the south-west of the city, all along the construction sites and near the excavations, a house for the Metamorphose project has been set up. It was also designed as a place of information for future events linked to the Prés-de-Vidy urban project.
Located on two sites on either side of Avenue du Chablais, this eco-district will accommodate some 2,000 residents and 1,500 jobs by 2029 (first housing) – 2032 (end of construction). Built in close relation with the urban development of the west of the Bourdonnette district, this sustainable district is located in a strategic location in the Lausanne territory.
“A real gateway to the city, it is at the heart of the urban area. It must play a transitional role between the higher education sector and the neighboring districts,” underlines the Municipality.
One neighborhood, two sectors
The first sector of the eco-district, named “Les Jardins de Vidy”, is located on the site of the horticultural establishment of the City of Lausanne. A symbol of the district’s identity, this establishment is maintained in the heart of the district, in a concentrated form, allowing horticultural activities to continue while leaving room for new buildings. Work to optimize the location is planned soon. The projects will then be launched, from 2026.
The second sector, named “Vidy La Romaine”, is located south of Avenue du Chablais, on the archaeological site. The launch of construction sites for the future buildings is planned for 2028, at the end of four years of archaeological excavation work.
The cost of these excavations and preparatory work is estimated at 34.9 million francs (part of which, between 12 and 19 million francs, will be financed by the Canton). Ultimately, Lausanne will therefore have two eco-neighborhoods: that of Prés-de-Vidy and the larger one of Plaines-du-Loup, in the upper reaches of the city, where, in a first stage, around 2,000 residents have already settled. .
This article was automatically published. Source: ats
