2023-06-26 10:42:48
Who will host the future City of Beer in Hauts-de-France? Only one certainty, it will be a territory of the North or Pas-de-Calais. Indeed, only four communities of municipalities have officially applied following a call for projects launched by the Hauts-de-France region. The choice of the site will be made by the regional council by the end of the year. The time for 20 Minutes to review the case.
What is this project?
At the heart of the project stands the opportunity to develop brewing tourism in a region where beer plays a key role. Bordeaux and its city of wine paved the way in 2016 with recognized success. Even if attendance remains below expectations, the 400,000 visitors per year make it the number one tourist site in the city.
The idea of a city of beer therefore follows the same path. It is a question of creating an “experiential place, dedicated to the celebration of the “beer culture of Hauts-de-France”” according to the call for tenders launched by the region. According to the specifications , the site must in particular offer equipment capable of generating its own resources (production, exhibition and transmission of know-how) in a building to be rehabilitated and within a tourist environment.
Who are the candidates?
They are four territories to have responded to this call for tenders. The three contenders are nestled in the North: Pévèle-Carembault around Pont-à-Marcq, Sambre-Avesnois centered on Landrecies and inland Flanders piloted by Bailleul. The fourth, the Urban Community of Arras is located in Pas-de-Calais.
In Pont-à-Marcq, it is a historic building of the former Agfa factory which would be responsible for hosting the flagship site, next to an agri-food center, a panoramic restaurant, a hotel and the headquarters of the intercommunality . Would this proximity be very reasonable for local elected officials? “It might make decisions easier,” jokes Luc Foutry, president of Pévéle-Carembault
In Landrecies, we imagine the establishment in a former ceramics factory, abandoned since 2013 and the project provides for the largest beer cellar in France with a strong inn of 40 rooms.
For their part, the elected officials of Arras are betting on the large hall located near the parking lot of the Citadel and which once served as military parking, in addition to a “gourmet hall” consisting of a roaster and a brewery to begin with. . Finally, Bailleul sees an ultimate hope of allowing the Nordlys industrial wasteland to regain its former glory. The old and majestic spinning mill which dates from 1864 represents “an exceptional and emblematic heritage”, according to César Storet, president of the Flanders interior tourist office.
Who’s the favourite?
For all these territories, the major argument is the presence of breweries, especially artisanal ones. In this area, the Landrecies and Bailleul sectors are home to a strong ally with the Jenlain breweries, on one side, and 3 Monts, on the other. Arras rather highlights the weight of history: the first breweries date from the 14th century. But today the capital of Pas-de-Calais also relies on the accessibility of the TGV and the diplomatic support of the famous filmmaker Peter Jackson. The city is thus lauded with a letter from the New Zealander who knows the area since one of his ancestors fought there during the 14-18 War.
But each has its strengths. For Bailleul, the simple name of Flandre is enough to evoke beer and the territory is the last to perpetuate a hop tradition. The tourist office finally drops the international asset by evoking its border with Belgium and the proximity of Great Britain.
Pont-à-Marcq highlights its geographical location and its economic ambitions. “The city will be enthroned in the middle of a major international economic site currently under study,” announces Luc Foutry. We also have the support of the metropolis of Lille and the urban community of Douai. »
Installed in the most landlocked territory, that of Avesnois, Landrecies can dream of a political boost. “Since this territory has been harmed, Xavier Bertrand can not help but give it to us! “, loose, jokingly, a local elected official in the Observer. Will the argument be sufficient?
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