the reconstruction project of this “pointed out” college reaches a decisive stage

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A first building permit allowing theinstallation of new modular buildingspreparing the reconstruction work on the Benjamin-Franklin college in Épône (Yvelines), was voted on during the municipal council meeting of September 26, 2024.

“The Department is asking us to sign a building permit for the installation of two brand new modular buildings in a location that will not interfere with the start of work in April 2025“, explained Mayor Ivica Jovic.

“It’s also about getting rid of existing structures that are very obsolete and uncomfortable. »

A “long awaited” establishment

Voted by the majority of elected officials, this step should make it possible to advance the project of the new college “very long awaited in Épône”, according to the councilor.

The establishment, whoseopening is planned for the start of the 2027 school year must respond for the departmental council, competent on the issue, “to the highest environmental standards”. It must replace “one of the most energy-intensive establishments in the department [qui] suffers from technical obsolescence and functional inadequacy.

800 students ultimately

Initially planned to accommodate 900 students, then 850, the new establishment will ultimately be attended by a maximum of 800 middle school students. A sufficient number according to the municipal majority to respond to demographic prospects in the municipality. Too little according to opposition elected officials.

“You have persisted for three years in convincing the Department that a single college with 850 places meets needs, you know full well that this is not true. »

Presented as a college of the “future”

The latter remains in favor of a solution with two colleges, including one in the future station district in Mézières-sur-Seine, for a total of 1,200 places. A alternative already rejectedby the departmental authority.

The new college will have a fab lab, a web radio a bicycle and scooter shelter, “properly sized, fully favoring traffic modes”, or even an educational garden.

“The future school equipment will be fully integrated into the life of the neighborhood and will offer modular tools adapted to the new digital uses and educational practices of tomorrow. »

We organize ourselves on the side of the opponents

Not enough to convince some of the members of the neighboring tennis club set to be movednear the Aldi store. After launching a petition, with a total of just over 750 signatures to date, they opened a Facebook page entitled: Collective against the destruction of the TCEM.

“We maintain that it is possible to find an alternative educational projectassures Aurélie Piat, one of the three creators of the collective. Our goal is to raise awareness among the population, who are not very informed about the consequences of this project, in our opinion. »

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