this former Jura prison will be renovated to accommodate housing

We finally know what will become of this building unoccupied for more than 10 yearslocated in the town center of Arbois. This former prison of 800 m² had already housed Low-rent housing (HLM) from 1956, before being decommissioned. “It is a building that cannot be demolished because it is protected under the remarkable heritage sites», explains to Voice of Jura Valérie Depierre mayor of the town.

The former mayor of Arbois, Bernard Amiens, had the ambition to make twelve housing units for seniors with reduced mobility. An idea which ultimately fell through because the Public Housing Office (OPH) asked the City to hand over the building to the symbolic euro and financial assistance of 200,000 euros. More than ten years later, the future of this building seems to be becoming clearer.

Limit tourist accommodation

“Since the start of the mandate, we have tried to find a solution for this building because it costs us in property tax and it is deteriorating” confides the first councilor. Valérie Depierre explains that she listened to numerous proposals from real estate agencies, in vain: “It didn't work because we weren't sure that they would do what we wanted. We have studied the needs of our territory in terms of housing and we wish limit tourist accommodationand find a balance with residential ones. »

Indeed, demands for housing are increasing: “We have young Arbois residents who are returning, we also have people who wanted to leave their region and settle here for economic reasons or quality of life. And they have difficulty finding. We also have requests from families or elderly people and people with disabilities who wish to have a city ​​accommodation adapted to their situation . »

Housing and (perhaps?) offices

Recently, a goods dealeroriginally from Lons-le-Saunier approached the municipality through an agency. “He directly asked us what the housing needs were in Arboisthat was the best question to ask. He even made proposed plans,” says the elected official.

This building should therefore accommodate twelve accommodations of 60 to 70 m²dont two suitable for people in wheelchairs. As well as offices and nine single rooms of the Saint-Michel le Haut Association (ASMH). She explains: “They had already come to me because they wanted to consolidate the offices of the Reception Center for Asylum Seekers (Cada) in Arbois. They also needed housing for single people. So I put the association and the property dealer in touch. He is ready to make a space for them. »

A plan B

The sale price, voted unanimously at the municipal council on December 19, 2024, amounts to 50 000 € . A price that the first councilor justifies: “It’s a proposal from the estates. It's an old building, the balconies are crumbling, there is all the carpentry and the roof to be redone, it must create an elevatorand bring the heating system up to standard. Then there is also the constraint of positioning; there are no parking spaces. »

Valérie Depierre also assures that if the project to host the ASMH does not come to fruition, “there is a plan B. The property dealer will make other apartments and the future owners will have to commit not to make it into tourist accommodation ».

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