The installation of props against the pillars of the market, at the end of October, in the heart of the city, surprised, even worried, passers-by. “After the start of the demolition phase linked to the media library expansion project, rumors circulated. We heard about the risk of collapse of the structure, which would be due to cracks. This is not the case,” wants to reassure the mayor of Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot, Pierre-Jean Pudal, who is following the work closely.
The props placed on the pillars of the hall surprised passers-by.
Christelle Creton
“There are very regular meetings with the architects. The population may have been surprised by these installations, but this security was already planned and costed in the calls for tenders. I apologize to the people of Livradais for the few nuisances caused by such a construction site. But if there had been the slightest risk of collapse, I would have stopped the work and taken measures to prevent circulation around the hall. »
Christelle Creton
Work to expand the media library is due to be completed at the end of next year.
No bad surprises therefore, neither for the mayor, nor for the companies working on the site. “The work is progressing as it should. There was only a very slight delay in site management, as we were awaiting validation from the design office on a particular point. But nothing has moved under the hall, which is supported as it should be, without being affected by the demolition work,” explains Philippe Ustulin, in charge of demolition and structural work.
“Accessible to all”
The overall project, launched in 2016, was modified in 2019. “We had thought of installing the new media library in the cloister, but the project was reoriented after our discussions with the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs,” explains Pierre-Jean Pudal, which indicates that this, registered within the framework of the City Policy, concerns the entire Villeneuve metropolitan area. “The structure will therefore be more spacious. »
Christelle Creton
Companies quickly resumed work.
“If we can bring to the books those who have never entered this type of structure, we will have won our bet”
For the mayor, the attraction of places of culture is important. “We had already made the library free for all CAGV residents. This media library, with games library, digital space and upcoming workshops [une cuisine doit être créée, NDLR]must be accessible to everyone. In every sense of the word. » The municipality ensured that the old structure, on the first floor, also extends to the ground floor of the hall, with access to the upper floor by an elevator.
Four million euros
Energy standards have also been closely studied. “A heated floor is planned for the entire structure, in order to avoid energy loss. » The content of the media library will also be expanded. “There will be many more collections and activities. Before, we passed the media library without seeing it. Soon, it will be a showcase that, I hope, everyone will want to access. »
For Pierre-Jean Pudal, attracting new readers is essential. “As with the comic book festival, if we can bring people who have never entered this type of structure to books, we will have won our bet. » The overall project is around 4 million euros and will receive 80% subsidies. “We have already provisioned the rest of the amount in the budget, through a loan. I'm not worried about the financial aspect of the project. »
