“We will finally have a real city center”: in Champigny-sur-Marne, a demolition synonymous with the future

Although it may be the third city in Val-de-Marne in terms of population, Champigny-sur-Marne suffers from a problem that other municipalities experience: it does not really have a city center, even if the square of the Market (formerly Lenin Square) serves.

Recent deliberation of the community of municipalities

In order to remedy this problem, major work was launched in 2022, after around thirty years of discussion. But the fate of the Place du Marché, which today includes a media library, a Monoprix and a restaurant, was only sealed on April 22, 2024, during a deliberation taken by the Paris Est community of communes. Marne and Wood. “The amicable negotiations carried out by the municipality with certain owners of land and property constituting the so-called Carnot islet have to date proven unsuccessful, which justifies the use of expropriation,” explains an official document. The buildings will be razed, for sure.

The public authorities consider in fact that the redevelopment operation is toan “undeniable public utility (…) and this, despite its cost”, which amounts to a little more than 42 million euros. It must be said that the mayor (DVD) of Champigny-sur-Marne, Laurent Jeanne, intends to establish a gourmet hall, as well as several other businesses adjoining.

At this time, the news of the future demolition does not seem to be creating any waves. At the Euro hotel-restaurant bar, the person working behind the counter takes the information philosophically: “They will demolish, yes, of course, but within about a year and a half. That’s not bad, because the market will be, let’s say… more structured, with fewer sellers setting up anywhere. »

Welcome news

There is therefore no cause for alarm, especially since the restaurant already belongs to the town hall, like most of the place: “We own around 80% of the land,” explains Laurent Jeanne. There remains just one elderly lady, but who will find accommodation in the future building constructed. » According to him, the declaration of public utility made by the community of communes aimed more at “securing” the operation than at putting an end to debates which apparently did not really take place.

Behind the market square, almost on the banks of the Marne. Irène and her companion begin a mountain bike ride. The news of the future demolition seems to delight them. “The wart which was right next to our building has already been demolished, it was regularly squatted,” they observe, presenting a blank expanse. The media library is going to be rebuilt here, it’s great. »

Before pedaling away, the cyclists insist: “As soon as we need something, we cross the bridge to go to Saint-Maur. We will finally have a real city center! »

Arnaud Murati

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