The metropolis of Lyon unveiled on Thursday the project to transform the Lyon Perrache Exchange Center (CELP), an enormous building adjoining the station of the same name, built in the all-car era, and which cuts the center of Lyon in two .
“Experienced as an urban divide between the north and south of the peninsula”, recalls the metropolis, the building “today concentrates problems linked to its operation: energy strainer, aging and degraded premises, unoccupied commercial space, costs important operating conditions for the metropolis…”
For visitors unfamiliar with the place, it is difficult to find their way in this building built in the 1970s, with architecture that is now criticized, and where the metro and tram have been connected over the years. .
In this public-private partnership, the two groups overseeing the project promise a “spectacular metamorphosis”, according to Emmanuel Launiau, president of the Quartus group, and “a desirable location”, according to Maurice Bansay, president of Apsys.
The announced investment of 170 million euros will be increased to 130 million by private partners.
The transformation project provides for a major breakthrough: the current building will be “hollowed out” to create a covered square and open a north-south axis, making it possible to better integrate the Confluences district at the tip of the peninsula, bordered by the Saône. and the Rhône. The characteristic silos of its north facade will be removed.
-The project also plans five planted layers, with patios from the 3rd to the 7th floor and a large roof terrace, with a 360° panorama of the city.
From a currently “cluttered” project, architect Dietmar Feichtinger wants to create a space where visitors can quickly orient themselves, and “change the atmosphere” with an internal wooden facade.
Part of the car parks will be transformed into a hotel, and a restaurant will be installed on three levels.
The work, planned to last five years, is due to begin in mid-February with the demolition of the overhead footbridge which connects the CELP to Perrache station. Alternative accesses are planned to maintain the functionality of the station.
