Located in an emblematic place for the Agenais, the new attractions of Gravier and its redeveloped car park

“For centuries, it was the Garonne that passed through this place that is now so emblematic for the people of Agenais,” recalls Jean Dionis. And the mayor also mentioned the origins of the name Gravier: at this location, the river carried many pebbles. “From the 19th century^e century, it became the venue for all the city’s major events.”
Located a 5-minute walk from Place Jasmin and Boulevard de la République, the new Gravier car park has said goodbye to its “colony of potholes” to make way for more suitable facilities as defined in the current municipality’s draft mandate, which the city councillor did not fail to highlight in a brief speech during the inauguration scheduled for this Saturday, June 29, at the end of the morning.

Buried networks, adapted lighting…

So, the mayor acknowledges, with a smile on his lips, from an aesthetic point of view, “the objective of the wow effect has not yet been achieved. We can and will do better in terms of flowers.” Clearly, the aim, with the development of this car park, is to enter “a new environmental era.” Who says environment says 40% more green spaces and pedestrian facilities. Around thirty trees have been planted (of 6 different species). Shrubs, grasses… but the final objective is also to reduce the areas of heat in the summer by increasing the number of shaded areas.

Entering a new era, moving away from the car

From a purely technical point of view, a new permeable coating allowing rainwater to infiltrate […] was used. It also helps to highlight the “gravel” side of the road. The electrical networks were buried and the public lighting studied to better adapt to the fauna and flora, as defined in the project.

Located 10 minutes walk from Place des Laitiers, well-positioned on Boulevard de la République, the Gravier car park wants to assert its place in a new era, far from the car-centric nature that is still very much present. First of all, a free electric shuttle allows people with mobility difficulties to reach the city centre. Then, bicycles are available for self-service. A scooter platform will soon be built. Six charging points for electric cars have been set up as well as secure parking for bicycles.

The first public electric vehicle charging station

“Today there are around 4,000 parking spaces in Agen, a quarter of which are paid. We no longer want parking in the city center. In any case, in terms of places, there is only the capacity of the station parking lot which could be increased. We want to take the turn at relay car parks, located on the outskirts of the city. We could very well consider setting up one near Agora (Agen exhibition center). “This announces new modes of mobility in the Agglomeration”.
It is also worth noting the installation of a public charging station for electric vehicles at the entrance to the car park. “It is the first of its kind in Agen and in the department,” they explain. “It has a high charging power. Made up of three terminals, it can power six vehicles of different types and powers at the same time.” Owners of electric vehicles will have plenty of time to take the ride a little further into the city centre. It only takes 15 minutes, at an average speed, to reach Boulevard Carnot.

Funding

The redevelopment work on the Gravier car park was launched in March 2023. Now fully reopened, the car park’s capacity has dropped to 232 spaces (-10%).
In terms of financing, the cost of the road works is 1.65 million euros. Half of which is borne by the Agen taxpayer, and about a third by those in the urban area. The state is contributing 240,000 euros to this operation.