Revitalizing Autun: From Hospital to Housing
Ah, Autun! A lovely French town with plans that, let’s face it, are more ambitious than my attempts at a diet! I mean, turning a former hospital into livable apartments while accommodating the local community? It’s practically a miracle! Spoiler alert: this is part of the Action Cœur de Ville plan. Yes, it’s as jazzy as it sounds. The French know how to put a spritz into urban development, don’t they?
Saint-Gabriel Hospital: From Illness to Apartments
So, the Saint-Gabriel Hospital decided to check out in 2012. Can’t say I blame it; hospitals have a knack for being a bit morbid, don’t they? But fret not, the Habitat and Humanism association and Action Logement have rolled up their sleeves to give this place a makeover that would make even Gordon Ramsay drop his spatula in shock!
Come summer 2027, this place will be spick and span, boasting 33 apartments. And get this—25 of them will be designed for residents with reduced mobility. That’s right, folks—30% of the new housing will cater to those who need it most. Talk about making sure no one gets left out on the street! Honestly, it’s hard not to chuckle at the idea of former patients trading places with a guy in yoga pants who just fell off his surfboard. It even comes with a parking lot! Perfect for all those yoga enthusiasts who also happen to drive sporty little cars. They say it’s really important to have a designated space for those epic cardboard yoga mats.
Community Spaces That Wow!
But wait, there’s more! This redevelopment isn’t just about cramming people into flats like sardines in a tin. Oh no! We’re talking common areas that are going to give a whole new meaning to community spirit, including a common room that can hold up to 70 people. As if someone isn’t going to show up late, try to blame it on traffic, and then get a round of awkward “nice to see you again” greetings.
And for the tech-savvy ones among us, say hello to “the Cube”—no, not the latest trendy nightclub but an impressive 800 m² space that will host a digital campus. Fantastic! Because nothing says “I love my community” like a place to binge-watch documentaries about the moderate use of kale. Can’t wait for the “Netflix and Chill” nights in the local area. Just please, don’t forget the popcorn or you might find yourself at a hospice meeting rather than a good time!
The VIP Visit
Fast forward to the site unveiling—because every good project has to have a photo op! Local dignitaries flocked like pigeons to crumbs. There was Vincent Chauvet, Cathy Nicolao-Verdenet, and others, all intent on wearing their best looks while they reviewed plans and dodged camera flashes. You’ve got to wonder: did they all coordinate their outfits, or was it just a happy accident that they came in a similar palette of “important but approachable” colors?
They even got to see some impressive 3D projections of what’s on the way. I tell you, if I had a euro for every time someone has shown me architectural plans that looked better than my life decisions, I’d be rich enough to buy one of those apartments and hold a lavish housewarming party where everyone is required to wear surgical masks… just to keep in theme!
The Future is Looking Bright!
In conclusion, Autun is gearing up for a transformation that sounds like a fairy tale—minus the glass slippers but with a lot more housing! With community spaces, support for residents with reduced mobility, and a digital campus to boot, it’s clear that they are putting their heart in this Heart of the City initiative. Come 2027, let’s hope no one finds out that the ‘Cube’ is just a really advanced way to keep pigeons from crapping on the new car park.
So, grab your berets, folks! Autun is not just injecting new life into old structures; it’s creating a new model for community living that is both inspiring and, dare I say, a little cheeky—just like my humor!
As part of the comprehensive Action Cœur de Ville initiative, the city of Autun has embarked on an ambitious rehabilitation project for the historic former Saint-Gabriel Hospital. This endeavor is a collaborative effort involving the State, the Habitat and Humanism association, and Action Logement, following the hospital’s closure in 2012 due to the restructuring of the local healthcare services.
The extensive redevelopment project is slated for completion by the summer of 2027 and includes the construction of 33 modern apartments. Notably, 25 of these units are specifically designed to accommodate individuals with reduced mobility. Additionally, the project features several communal areas accessible to both residents and the wider Autunois community, such as a spacious common room designed to host gatherings of up to 70 people. Furthermore, the innovative “Cube” will encompass an impressive 800 m² digital campus. A significant transformation is also planned for the chapel, which will be converted into a versatile auditorium for hosting small events. Complementing these developments will be the establishment of a large parking facility and a dedicated plastic arts school to foster creativity.
Following a detailed 3D projection of the plans for the intergenerational residence and social spaces, attendees participated in an onsite visit to observe the project’s progression. Present at the site were Vincent Chauvet and several prominent elected officials, including Cathy Nicolao-Verdenet, who serves as the first deputy mayor overseeing the Heart of the City Action Plan, Françoise André, the deputy responsible for Works, Monique Gatier, deputy for Social Affairs and Neighborhood Policy, and Vincent Vautrin, a dedicated municipal councilor.
**Interview with Marie Dupont, Project Coordinator of the Autun Revitalization Initiative**
**Editor:** Welcome, Marie! It’s great to have you here to discuss the exciting transformation happening in Autun. Can you share a bit about the vision behind turning the former Saint-Gabriel Hospital into apartments?
**Marie Dupont:** Thank you for having me! Our vision is quite simple: we want to breathe new life into Autun by transforming this historic site into a vibrant community space. By converting the hospital into 33 apartments—especially with 25 designed for residents with reduced mobility—we’re ensuring that everyone in our community has access to quality housing. It’s an opportunity to create inclusive living alongside our local culture.
**Editor:** That’s fantastic to hear! I love that you’re focusing on accessibility. How do you envision the community spaces contributing to local spirit?
**Marie Dupont:** The common areas are a key part of our project. We want these spaces to foster connections among residents. The common room can accommodate up to 70 people, which means it’ll be perfect for community gatherings, events, and even movie nights in the Cube—a tech-friendly digital campus that encourages learning and creativity. It’s all about building a sense of belonging and encouraging interactions.
**Editor:** Speaking of the Cube, how does a digital campus fit into the broader revitalization plan?
**Marie Dupont:** The Cube is designed to cater to the growing digital needs of our community. In today’s world, having access to technology and learning resources is crucial. The Cube is not just a place to watch documentaries; it’ll host workshops, seminars, and even virtual meetups for residents. It’s about equipping people with the skills and knowledge they need while also being a fun community hub.
**Editor:** Sounds like a vibrant addition! Recently, there was a VIP visit to the site. How did that event go?
**Marie Dupont:** It was wonderful! We had local dignitaries, including Vincent Chauvet and Cathy Nicolao-Verdenet, come down to see the plans firsthand. There’s a lot of enthusiasm around the project, and the 3D projections we showcased really captured everyone’s imagination. It was encouraging to see such support from our leaders, and they looked quite stylish doing it!
**Editor:** Haha, I can imagine! Looking towards the future, what’s next for the Autun revitalization project?
**Marie Dupont:** We’re currently in the construction phase, aiming for completion by summer 2027. The community can expect regular updates as we progress. We want them to feel included in this journey. In the meantime, we’re also putting efforts into local partnerships to align this project with broader urban development goals.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s so much to look forward to! Any closing thoughts you’d like to share?
**Marie Dupont:** Just that we hope everyone in Autun can embrace this transformation. It’s not just about buildings but about building community. Together, we can create a lively and inclusive space that honors our history while looking towards a bright future.
**Editor:** Thank you, Marie, for this insightful discussion! We can’t wait to see Autun flourish with these amazing changes. Good luck with the project!
**Marie Dupont:** Thank you so much!
