The real estate revival observed in Brest is first and foremost a response (private and public) to the housing crisis, the result of the new attractiveness of the city. Elected officials, led by Mayor François Cuillandre, like to point out that “1,300 must be created per year to meet the needs” throughout the metropolis. For several years, students have been among those most affected by the shortage and several residences have emerged to alleviate it (only partially for the moment). But it is those for seniors who are especially experiencing a boom. Different ranges but more and more of these serviced residences, absent here a few years ago, despite the recent cancellation of the Bouygues Immobilier project, rue de Glasgow.
Islets are transformed
This quantitative need for housing is combined with the need to renovate certain neighborhoods and the public force is, on the whole, in charge (local authorities, mainly national subsidies). After the overhaul of Pontanézen (no less than €105.60 million at the turn of the 2010s), major reconstruction programs are underway, particularly on the right bank, in Recouvrance, Quéliverzan and Kerbernier: €210 million.
A reflection (“Siamorphose”) is underway for the historic district, left bank, more flattering on the facade but which is also showing its age in the backyard or in the interiors. The reconstruction was 70 years ago, with different concerns and an urgency to house the population… Two blocks will serve as a test and a model, for others and perhaps for other cities in France.
On the Left Bank again, it is rather islets (Chapdelaine for example, at the top of Jaurès) than entire neighborhoods which are being transformed. Let's mention Kerinou again. A system for old neighborhoods is underway, for a budget of €18 million excluding taxes. In Lambézellec, the Menez Bihan district, in place of the old Ifac, is coming to an end, with houses, buildings and residences for seniors.
Closer to the harbor, the emblematic Marcel-Cerdan sports and entertainment hall was razed in 2023 and a new complex is growing quickly. Just like, we are at the beginning, the islet of Alembert, opposite the headquarters of Brest métropole Habitat (BMH). It will be joined, right next to it, in a few years, by the Volney islet. At the Portes de Gouesnou, a B&B hotel and new small neighborhood, by the Barraine group, are emerging. And in Froutven, another is arriving, with housing and offices, via Pierre Promotion Armorique: Green Hub. In short, it's growing. On the city more and more, sometimes even next door.
The right bank in full evolution
Are all these projects an opportunity for Brest to look good? Recent real estate does not always equal new facilities, which have become emblematic, such as the Arena or the Capucins. The right bank sees buildings bristling, precisely behind the Capuchins, of which they are the real estate version, guarantor of financial balance. Nothing very appealing to the eye at the moment and some people regret a missed opportunity. Although, as we approach the end of the program, some opinions evolve. It is also necessary to note a few exceptions such as certain innovative BMH projects such as the daring triangular houses on the heights of Lambé.
There is also a desire to improve the surroundings of Penfeld. With the prospect that the Navy will sell the fictitious Island in Bellevue and that the City will deconstruct three hangars there to make it a place for walks. And then this project for a balcony on the river, between the Capuchins and the Recouvrance bridge, by taking over land (known as “the second depot”) from the French Navy, which cannot be built on, to create a large garden in a few years. Right next door, the old Pontaniou prison, which has become even more of a wart since the Lions of the Navy building, below was renovated (not counting the Capuchins!), will be given a new lease of life with the rehabilitation project. worn by Franck Jaclin, which is due to open in 2027.
Color, a residents' initiative
It was ultimately in the old, the rows of terraced houses, and from the inhabitants themselves, that the spark came at the beginning of the 2000s. First in the medical school district, with facades in bright colors, far from the image of white Brest which has become gray over the years. The municipality, initially just tolerant on the subject, decided, fifteen years later, in the spring of 2018, to participate in the movement with financial aid to owners. We see, here with taste, there with an air of visual attack, initiatives flourishing almost everywhere in the city.
And if, in the long term, Brest could be compared to Cork in Ireland or, in sunnier latitudes, Burano near Venice in Italy, Valparaiso in Chile, Willemstad in Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles) or even the districts of La Boca in Buenos Aires in Argentina or Bo Kaap from Cape Town in South Africa? We're not there yet but it seems like times are changing…
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