Bars, restaurants, packed terraces on sunny days but also in the evening… In Rennes, Place Saint-Germain stands out for the intensity of its shopping life. Despite the dynamism of the sector, the commercial cell of the building located above the metro entrance has remained desperately empty since September 2021. However, in April 2024, a “lease was signed with the SARL Cour St-Germain”, confirms the SAS Territoires & Perspectives, owner of the unit since 2022. Behind this administrative entity? Bertrand Saint-Yves, a Rennes entrepreneur who already owns numerous restaurants in the Breton capital. Studies are underway. Work will then be carried out. A restaurant is expected to open in the second half of 2025.
Good news which should put an end to a vacancy which lasted almost four years. The reason? A mismatch between the purpose of this premises which must house a restaurant and strong ecological standards.
Che building, called Le Persan, was built by the social landlord Archipel Habitat.
“The simplicity of its architecture makes us forget that this building is very technical,” explains the Parisian architectural firm Julien Boidot who created it. Indeed, the building takes into account the constraints linked to the storm surge basin which is located under Place Saint-Germain and accommodates the entrance to the metro entrance, 12 social housing units, technical premises for market traders weekly Wednesday morning and a large commercial premises of 116 m².
No air conditioning in protected area
A few decades ago, a first project leader wanted to set up a restaurant but he wanted to have a air conditioning for its kitchens. He therefore had to install groups on the facade… “Completely impossible”, indicate the Parisian firm of architect Julien Boidot and Didier Le Bougeant, assistant for commerce.
In this protected area, the architect of buildings de France has an opinion on the exterior but also on the interior of the building which has large glass facades.
However, there is no question of changing the destination of this doorstep. “Catering allows you to ask for a much higher rent than if you rent to a florist or second-hand dealer,” comments a trade specialist. “The restaurant will pay a significant part of the costs of this social housing building.”
Related News :