The first redevelopment work on the Lyon-Perrache exchange center will begin in February. The final project must be delivered by 2030.
If France's debt could become a burden for future generations, the Lyon-Perrache exchange center (CELP) is already one for the Lyonnais, inherited from an era when decision-makers and architects worshiped the automotive and concrete.
A project financed more than 80% by the private sector
But the environmentalist president of the Metropolis of Lyon assures him, this “urban divide“will be soon”gummed“. Thursday, November 23, he presented the details of the “Ouvrons Perrache” project (launched by his predecessor) which – as its name indicates – should make it possible to re-establish a connection between the north of the Presqu'île, today landlocked behind Perrache, and the city center of Lyon Every day, around 100,000 people cross the CELP, by 2030, there should be more than 200,000.
“We are entering an important operational phase“, welcomed the vice-president in charge of town planning Béatrice Vessiller. And added: “We will make the CELP a destination and a real green and highlighted public space.“Approximately 50% of the current building will be preserved,” says Dietmar Feichtinger, architect in charge of the project.
Reestablishing the north-south connection
“I have a little trouble saying bad things about this building because I, unlike the Lyonnais, like it.“, he says. Concretely, the smoked glass facade of the building will be removed to open “an urban window“. The four original levels of the central part of the CELP will be replaced by a covered esplanade. The path to the station will no longer require taking escalators since users will simply be able to cross the building. This esplanade will offer dedicated shops for travelers and a small catering offer.
-The project also aims to enhance the two terraces of the exchange center, which are rarely used today, even though they offer a unique perspective and breathing space. The CELP roof will be made functional. A food hall will be created with a 360° view of Lyon. A 150-room hotel will also be created on the CELP floors, as will premises dedicated to crafts, collaborative spaces and a gym.
A 300-space bicycle station will be created within the exchange center. 380 parking spaces will be kept in the Saône side wing of the building, and 150 in the Rhône side wing. Surface spaces will also still be available in front of the SNCF station and on the Verdun course.
First works from February
With a total amount of just over 170 million euros, the project is mainly financed by the private sector. The Quartus group and the promoter Apsys are investing 140 million euros to revive this exchange center, which is currently very gloomy. The Métropole de Lyon, the Sytral and the SPL Lyon Confluences complete.
From February 2025, demolition work on the pedestrian bridge connecting the exchange center and the Lyon-Perrache SNCF station will begin. Every day, around 30,000 pedestrians use it. The operation, carried out in three phases for an amount of €800,000, is due to be completed in September. Signage will be put in place to guide travelers who must use the France Pejot passage. In December 2025, work will begin on the redevelopment of the bus station, then the transformation of the exchange center from mid-2026. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.
