Scheduled for the last weekend of June, the eighth version of the Design Parade is eagerly awaited. For the quality of its exhibitions, but not only that.
Getting lost in the mazes of the old bishopric in Toulon, walking its old staircase or relaxing in its charming square courtyard – while still drinking in the visions of exalted artists – provides an undeniable pleasure.
So much so that since 2018 and the organization of the first edition of the interior architecture festival in the 18th century episcopal palacee century, the place has become a particularly popular tourist attraction.
However, all this is on the verge of stopping, warns a petition posted online this weekend by… the environmental protection association ZEA.
Titled “Let us preserve cultural heritage, prevent the privatization of the former bishopric of Toulon”the text reveals that a real estate complex also including the historic Castel Chabre brand was recently the subject of a call for projects.
It is the mixed economy company Var ménagement développement (VAD), acting on behalf of the City, which is seeking a new future for the emblematic block of houses located along the stalls of Cours Lafayette, between the crossing of the cathedral and the olive trees of Place Paul-Comte.
“We will not sell washing machines there”
“Even more than privatization, it is the confiscation of public property in the city center that worries us”explains Olivier Dubuquoy, head of ZEA.
“We would have liked to see a consultation launched on the purpose of the place; an exercise in participatory democracy where the people of Toulon could have given their opinion.”
For his part, the geographer and director from Toulon would see clearly here “a cultural place that lives all year round, linked to youth”. His fear? “If a big brand arrived, it would have neither tail nor head.”
Questioned on this subject, Mayor Josée Massi does not deny that reflection on the future of the site, listed in the inventory of historic monuments in 1991, is underway. And that we would not orient ourselves “not necessarily towards a place with a cultural vocation”.
However, she assures that nothing is being done. “We have not yet studied all the offers in the call for projects.” What about the rumor that evokes the arrival of the Boulanger and Décathlon stores?
“We will not sell washing machines in the old bishopric”, she promises. But still? “The idea is to revitalize the neighborhood and promote Cours Lafayette, which is losing ground. It’s a heritage building, we won’t do anything to it.”
“The renovation costs twenty million euros”
In 2018, former councilor Hubert Falco assured that “if there is something there, it will be a cultural project”. Six years have passed. Occupying the premises since this date, Jean-Pierre Blanc, boss of the Design parade, “does not wish to comment on the subject”.
Privately, the director of Villa Noailles, in Hyères, would hardly like – a mild understatement – to be asked to look elsewhere. “The bishopric was made available to the festival on a temporary basis”assures Josée Massi.
“We know the importance of the Design Parade and we will find another location for it, just as suitable. But it is obvious that the enthusiasm for this festival does not depend on the former bishopric.”
The elected official also highlights the estimated cost of renovating the place to justify thinking about its reconversion. “Who is capable of raising enough money to carry out the necessary work in the old bishopric? It costs twenty million euros. I doubt that Villa Noailles has the budget for that…”
Ten years ago, it was a four-star hotel project that was popular at 69, cours Lafayette. Before being rejected by the municipality, without further explanation.
