10:58 a.m. – December 17, 2024 – by Info Clermont Métropole
1.8 hectares of walking space open onto the large landscape in the heart of Vallières.
Voted by residents as part of the Participatory Budget, the Vallières wasteland, located along the railway line between Avenue de la Libération and Rue Croix des Liondards, will be transformed into a walking area in spring 2025.
Lhe launch of work to develop this landscaped area for residents in the heart of Clermont-Ferrand took place on November 23.
Covering almost 2 hectares, this green corridor will be an open space for walking and relaxation, a true belvedere offering remarkable views of the city and the great landscape. Major clearing work will be carried out to open up the space and convert it into a meadow accessible to the public.
The objective is to preserve the natural character of the place, by preserving the existing trees.
At the same time, 66 new trees will be planted, including 16 fruit trees to create a freely accessible orchard, which will make it possible to reach 80% of the vegetated surface area.
This project aims to improve the living environment of residents while strengthening the city’s green network, thus contributing to the fight against climate change. It is part of the municipal policy of “a green space 10 minutes from each resident”.
A smooth inter-district connection
The project also provides for the development of a lane reserved for pedestrians and bicycles, lined with vegetation and street furniture.
Committed to the gradual deployment of a cycling network across its territory, Clermont Auvergne Métropole has chosen the establishment of a greenway within this space in order to provide a smooth pedestrian/bicycle connection connected to the surrounding neighborhoods ( Vallières/Beaumont/Saint-Jacques). This connection will also be close to the Marcombes/Salins cycle route to go to the city center of Clermont (finalized in spring 2025).
The greenway which will cross the site will be lit via photoluminescent marking.
“The greening of our metropolis is one of our priorities; and the Vallières green corridor project is the most beautiful illustration of this with the Parc Saint-Jean or the Parc de la Muraille, declared Olivier Bianchi, the mayor. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, it is a real environmental approach which contributes to the ecological transition of our territory. Remember that green spaces play a crucial role in thermal regulation, CO2 absorption and rainwater management. Each new green space is also a concrete response to the need to strengthen biodiversity in urban areas and to offer our residents places of nature accessible on a daily basis, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. This project, supported by residents as part of the Participatory Budget, is fully in line with this desire to make Clermont-Ferrand a greener, more resilient and more pleasant city to live in. »
The Vallières green belt in figures:
– 1.8 hectares of walking space open onto the large landscape.
– 80% vegetated surface to promote biodiversity.
– 66 new trees planted, including 16 fruit trees for a freely accessible orchard.
– A pedestrian/bicycle link connecting the Vallières, Beaumont and Saint-Jacques districts.
An operation worth €640,000 including tax (financed by the City of Clermont via the Participatory Budget and Clermont Auvergne Métropole).
