It is in a full room that the president of the structure begins her presentation. “Le Puy-en-Velay, Espaly-Saint-Marcel, Langeac… These are municipalities where we can launch development operations. Our main objective is based on a heritage strategy: to bring all housing into energy category C.”
“All heritage in category C by 2034”
In the premises of OPAC 43, we speak in years. And the promises are kept for just as long. The projects implemented by the structure should begin to see the light of day by 2025 and be completed in the “coming decade”.
With 5,329 social rental housing units, OPAC 43 has projects, and not the least important. 45 new housing units were delivered in 2024, 36 will be demolished in Riotord and Dunières. Among those that remain, 210 will have energy renovation and 200 will benefit from component replacement: boiler change, insulation work, etc. The final objective being “to bring all assets into energy category C by 2034”, explains Frédérick Morel, the heritage director.
150 million euros invested
Of this envelope, 80% will be used to refurbish existing housing, then the remaining 20% will be used for construction. “We know that new housing is in crisis. In Haute-Loire, we are lucky not to be too dependent on this situation. Despite everything, our efforts are focused on rehabilitation work,” continues the heritage director. The municipalities of Puy-en-Velay and Espaly-Saint-Marcel represent the parks where the most housing will be rehabilitated.
The question of rents
If there is rehabilitation and replacement of components, will rents increase? Blandine Proriol reassures: “Rents are capped. Every year, we follow the ceiling against our will. To reinvest, you have to increase. Despite everything, we are on social housing, so prices will not explode.”
Thus, the OPAC extends over 113 municipalities in Haute-Loire and intends to improve its rental stock, then increase it. “Haute-Loire is a land of investments, from Sainte-Florine to Puy-en-Velay via Langeac, we will continue on this path and honor our promises. »
