Construction sites are multiplying in La Garde. In parallel with its major project to transform the city center (including the creation of a large urban park)the City is carrying out another major operation. It concerns both the transformation of the aging Gérard-Philipe room but also the construction of a new cultural establishment.
A room with 350 seats
And the latter is particularly expected. A year ago, on site: a simple parking lot with anarchic parking. Today, the future building is already clearly visible. As a reminder, it will include a room with a capacity of 350 seats with a stage of almost 200m2. “On the ground floor, we find the refreshment and ticketing area as well as a large storage space for equipment and decorations”adds Franck Chouquet, town planning assistant.
The future cultural center will benefit, in total, from more than 1,000m2. The project is still far from finished even if it is progressing according to the set schedule. In any case, you will have to wait a few more months to benefit from it. The first shows are scheduled for September 2025.
Gérard-Philipe reimagined
The work is not limited today to the cultural center. Gérard-Philipe has also been affected since last July. The Jacobs hall will be completely transformed, including the bar area which will be enlarged and moved.
Of the Gérard-Philipe room, only the metal cross structure on the ceiling will be preserved. Everything else (heating, networks, etc.) is being repaired. End of construction also planned for the start of the 2025 school year.
What next?
The municipality hopes to continue its momentum. “But it will be for the next term”tempers Franck Chouquet. It will then be a question of tackling the media library. “We don't want a simple refresh of the premises. The objective is to make it an ultra-modern facility. A 2.0 media library.”, explained the elected official during the presentation of the project a year ago.
