Paris: from brothels to trendy coworkings, the Porte de Clichy between gentrification and sanitization

It is a gigantic building which gradually rose from the ground Clichy gate, in Paris (17th). In 2018, the new judicial court opened its doors, and triggered an economic renewal in a neighborhood known to be popular. To this arrival was added that of metro line 14 in 2021. Can we today speak of a gentrified neighborhood?

Industries and prostitution

Even at the end of the century, Porte de Clichy was a very industrial area. The SNCF had a fairly large depot there, and workers’ housing was very present there. A metallurgical factory also existed until its closure in the 1970s.

One thing is certain, the neighborhood has changed considerably in around ten years. “When I arrived, it was a very working-class neighborhood. There prostitution was very present, up to the door of the Chapel. In rue Fragonard, where I moved, there was a brothel several years ago! », describes Jean-Philippe, present in the neighborhood since 1990.

The opening of Martin Luther King Park

Not enjoying an excellent reputation, the district will nevertheless experience in the 2000s major transformations. The first in 2007: the creation of Martin-Luther-King Park. The latter, located rue Cardinet to the south and boulevard Berthier to the north, is a space which was originally to be developed as a potential Olympic village during France’s candidacy for the 2012 games.

While the flame eventually went to London, the space became Martin Luther King Park, surrounded by apartment buildings. “I appreciated the popular side of the neighborhood, which has disappeared, but it must be recognized that the park is very pleasant. Even though the work was long, walking there is a real plus“, estimates Géraldine, who has lived in the neighborhood for around twenty years.

The court, an economic breeding ground

After the vegetation, the concrete. In 2018 the new Paris judicial court was completed. Signed Renzo Piano, the gigantic tower brings additional activity. To fill the stomachs of magistrates, but also of police officers whose premises are moving next to the new courthouse, multiple restaurants are opening. Food shops continue to appear in the neighborhood and around Clichy (Hauts-de-Seine). An establishment with 130 seats, Le Palais, recently opened near the court.

To reinforce this renewed attractiveness, public transport have grown considerably. The tram thus arrived at the same time as the court. And the new stop of the recent line 14 has therefore appeared. A relief for local residents and workers. “I recognize that it’s a blessing, when we know the qualities of line 13 which was the only line in the neighborhood…”, smiles Géraldine.

“There has been an upscaling of the neighborhood”

Since then, the cranes are running at full speed. Last summer, the OVH company opened a new office building in the area. Of the coworking spaces trendy ones are gradually emerging. Alongside these offices, relaxation and entertainment spaces are also built. In June 2023, the mayor (LR) of the district, Geoffroy Boulard, inaugurated Stream Building. The complex offers a rooftop, microbreweries and a business hotel.

Obviously, this influx of businesses has had an impact on the residents of the neighborhood. “It’s undeniable, there has been an upscaling of the neighborhood. Prices have also increased considerably,” explains Jean-Philippe.

“Already, when the construction of the court and the metro was announced, the real estate market experienced an increase. Afterwards, many people working in the judicial city realized that it was good to live in the neighborhood, which created a new increase in prices,” explains us the Laforêt real estate agency of the 17th arrondissement.

“I have the impression that everything is sanitized”

The former, somewhat reclusive working-class area has therefore, in the space of a few years, become a new economic heart of the capital. A welcome change for some, but tinged with bitterness for others. ” There have been a kind of forced cleaning, with the addition of major concrete work. The new offices are completely empty. I feel like everything is sanitized. I admit to regretting the more spontaneous side of the neighborhood before,” says Jean-Philippe.

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