At the Municipal Council meeting of December 16, 2024, Grenoble voted for the transformation of Place de Metz, with the pedestrianization of the space and the demineralization of the soil in the area. The new project also provides for greening and better sharing of public space around the square, while ensuring the preservation of Grenoble’s historical heritage.
Preservation and enhancement of historical heritage
By taking over the entire public space from facade to facade, the project plans to upgrade the sidewalks, the roads and the heart of the square, thus promoting the accessibility of the sector. However, Grenoble is also committed to preserving the heritage nature of the Place de Metz: with the dewatering and laying of granite paving stones as well as limestone borders, the preservation of the column and the enhancement of the surroundings of the ‘church.
A greener Place, a more pleasant living space
With the removal of parking spaces in the heart of the current Square, the project will allow the greening of the space with the planting of trees and shrubs and the preservation of current healthy trees. The floors will be de-waterproofed to allow rainwater to infiltrate and for a more natural and pleasant Place.
Calming public space: pedestrians and cycles finally secure
The Place and its surroundings are being redesigned for better sharing of public space and the development of active mobility in the sector. Rue de Strasbourg will pass into a meeting zone (20 km/h), giving pride of place to pedestrians and allowing cycles to be more secure. To compensate for the loss of parking on the square, the surrounding streets will switch to orange parking in order to allow maximum rotation in very close proximity to businesses. The entire square will be more pleasant for pedestrians with developments aimed at making the space a place for neighborhood life. The project also provides for new bicycle racks and delivery areas for businesses.
