the essential
The old cement factory oven will be transformed into a third cultural venue. Pollux Asso is responsible for the performance hall and rehearsal premises.
In the spring of 2026, Albi should see the opening of a new performance hall in the Ranteil district. The old cement factory oven, closed in 1984, called “cathedral”, will be transformed into a new cultural third place. Called the Cimenterie, it will bring together a performance hall, rehearsal studios, premises for craftsmen (a luthier and a brewer should set up there) and work and catering spaces.
If this project is carried out by several private individuals, the investments dedicated to the concert hall and the rehearsal studios will be taken care of by Pollux Asso, which will run the premises. The performance hall will have approximately 250 seats. The cost of the project for the association is €200,000 which it plans to spread over several years. The city of Albi will contribute €20,000 in 2024 for the investment linked to the acquisition of technical equipment (sound, light, video, etc.). Elected officials approved this amount Monday evening during the municipal council meeting. A new tranche will be requested in 2025.
“This new space located within the grounds of a former Ranteil factory will contribute, from spring 2026, to generating new synergies which will encourage local cultural, artisanal and economic dynamics while providing new perspectives of animation for the district of Veyrières-Rayssac-Ranteil It will participate in the rehabilitation of the industrial heritage of Albi”, underlined Marie-Pierre Boucbee, the deputy in charge of culture, Monday evening.
Advantage of the site, it has no local residents around. No noise problem therefore, as currently at the Athanor, the room where the association officiates, where local residents complain about the noise, particularly from the refreshment bar. The association held seven concerts there in 2024. On a site that it manages, it will be able to significantly increase its offer, while remaining in a capacity identical to the Athanor (250 seats).
In the neighborhood, residents welcome this project. “This will revitalize the neighborhood. It’s a non-polluting activity,” says Serge Bardy, president of the neighborhood association.
