Transformation of Cours Saint-Laud – The Makeover You Didn’t Know You Needed!
Ah, Angers! The charming little city that’s morphing faster than a mid-life crisis celebrity. For a decade now, the Cours Saint-Laud business district has been undergoing a transformation from a less-than-glamorous industrial wasteland to an emerging hub of modern life that would make even a hipster coffee shop blush with excitement. Yes, you heard that right—offices, flats, and shops have invaded the space like a trendy new restaurant pouring into a previously empty block!
From Wasteland to Wonderland
Inès Belaouni, operations manager at Alter, the developer with a flair for turning boring spots into sizzling locales, couldn’t be more pleased. She says, “The neighborhood has changed profoundly…“—profoundly, indeed! It’s gone from a place that made you question whether you needed to wear a hard hat to one where you can comfortably stroll past friendly faces whilst sipping your almond milk macchiato. And maybe some avocado toast. Because who doesn’t love some smashed green goodness on bread?
Location, Location, Location!
Let’s talk geography, people! Cours Saint-Laud is fashioned as an extension of the city center, right next to the station. That’s right; we’re talking about a neighborhood where you can catch a train and still get your shopping done in under fifteen minutes! Welcome to the quarter-hour city, where you can dally in delightful shops and be back home before your kettle has boiled.
And speaking of shops and services, companies like the Banque de France and MAIF are already gearing up to fill these shiny new buildings. Come 2025, you’ll be tripping over 3,500 employees in the district, alongside a whopping 350 housing units. Just imagine the lunch queues. It’ll be a delightful chaos!
Challenges for Local Traders
But, oh dear! Not all that glitters is gold. Our brave traders are like gladiators fighting for survival amidst construction and chaos. Christophe Boiocchi, who opened his restaurant La Passerelle in February 2020—great timing, right?—is just now seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. “The health crisis was tough,” he laments. You bet it was, mate! Trying to run a restaurant during a pandemic is like trying to juggle knives while riding a unicycle—very risky and not recommended!
Though not everyone shares his optimism. Sébastien Léquipé at Cap Vers restaurant is experiencing slow growth: “Many are still working from home…” Welcome to the world of telecommuting! It’s like trying to sell sunglasses at night—tough gig!
On the flip side, some new traders are finding their footing. Jeannine Le Chanu, who opened Dubble in June 2023, sees promise in neighborly cohabitation. “We’re starting to have our regulars…” she proudly announces. Just don’t be a stranger, folks! Frequent those new spots or they’ll turn into ghost towns faster than you can say “Wasteland”!
The Waiting Game
There’s still work to be done in this ongoing transformation. Seriously, like 90% of the 70,000 m² of offices are still on the drawing board. The pièce de résistance, the future Caisse des Dépôts building, has been pushed back until 2025—because who doesn’t love a good ol’ construction delay? Everyone loves the smell of fresh paint in the morning, right?
But fear not! The developers aren’t sweating bullets. Belaouni reassures us that some vacancies are a mere reflection of national quirks—closures, remote work, and perhaps the lingering taste of “let’s not go back to the office” sentiment. She highlighted the vacant premises on Place Giffard-Langevin like she was revealing a hidden treasure map. Who needs buried gold when food trucks abound?
Conclusion: Onwards and Upwards!
So there you have it! The Cours Saint-Laud district is teasing us with its impending glory. Urban life is bustling back as the transformations take shape, proving that what was once a forgotten plot can bloom into something spectacular. Godspeed to the traders, and may the new residents find more than just cold coffee and distant colleagues in this brilliantly revamped district of Angers! Cheers!
By Eline Vion.
Keep up with all the riveting updates in Angers by connecting with the Angers Villactu WhatsApp channel—it’s the best thing since sliced baguette!
In Angers, the Cours Saint-Laud business district is undergoing a vibrant transformation that has spanned the past decade. Encompassing a dynamic mix of offices, residential spaces, and retail shops, the area thrives with neighborhood life blossoming just south of the train station.
Designed as a seamless extension of the urban center towards the south, the Cours Saint-Laud district aims to expertly balance economic activities, diverse housing options, retail spaces, and inviting public amenities. This comprehensive plan envisions a community where life can flourish in a well-connected environment.
« The neighborhood has changed profoundly. It has gone from industrial wasteland, with aging buildings, to a real place of work and life », states Inès Belaouni, operations manager at the developer Alter, who has witnessed this remarkable transition firsthand.
A neighborhood close to the city center
The Cours Saint-Laud initiative reflects a broader ambition of developing a business hub intricately linked to the station while promoting the integration of offices, residential options, and expansive green spaces. This multifaceted approach seeks to enhance both the professional landscape and the quality of life for residents.
Several prominent companies have already established a presence in the district, including the Banque de France, MAIF, Podeliha, and Soclova. “Ultimately, the district will have around 3,500 employees, as well as 350 housing units.”, indicates Inès Belaouni, emphasizing the significant economic potential this area holds.
The district is strategically divided into two sectors: the northern area prioritizes offices and services due to its close proximity to the station, while the southern part is evolving to encompass a vibrant mix of offices, residential buildings, and 8,000 m² of lush green spaces, alongside a student residence and a hotel.
« Our ambition was to create a quarter-hour city, offering employees and residents easy access to all services, while ensuring that the neighborhood is pleasant to live in and well connected to the city center. “, she elaborates on the vision behind this ambitious project.
A challenge for traders
While undergoing a significant urban redevelopment phase, the neighborhood has seen the opening of several establishments amid challenges posed by ongoing construction and the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. For Christophe Boiocchi, manager of the La Passerelle restaurant, which opened in February 2020, the initial years were particularly tough: “The health crisis has been very difficult for us, but we are starting to stabilize our activity; customers are now there. ”
Despite the improved situation for some, Sébastien Léquipé, the manager of Cap Vers restaurant, expresses ongoing concerns as he struggles to attract patrons: “Despite the end of Covid and major works, activity remains low. It’s a business district, but many people have remained teleworking, that doesn’t help to improve our situation.”
Interestingly, newer establishments like Dubble, which opened its doors in June 2023 under the management of Jeannine Le Chanu, report steady growth: “There is a nice complementarity with the other businesses in the neighborhood. The activity is going slowly but surely; we are starting to have our regulars. The calm of the neighborhood appeals to many.”
While some businesses grapple with their early struggles, others, like Pierre Trimoreau, the manager of the tobacco bar L’Arrière Train, are experiencing notable activity due to the surrounding clientele. “I’ve lived in the neighborhood for 22 years, so I’ve seen all the developments. Before it was a bit of a wasteland, now neighborhood life is more peaceful. We see it with our customers who come for lunch or simply stop by for a coffee or a drink after work.”
Slowed expansion
With nearly 90% of the planned 70,000 m² of office space either delivered or under construction, the development of Cours Saint-Laud is on an upward trajectory but has not yet reached its full potential.
The highly anticipated Caisse des Dépôts building on rue Jean-Zay, which was initially scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2024, has faced delays, with a new projected opening in 2025. This building aims to consolidate services currently scattered across various locations, including 350 employees north of the railway tracks. An additional 450 employees are currently based at the historic site on rue Louis Gain.
Despite some commercial units facing challenges in securing tenants, Inès Belaouni from the developer Alter remains optimistic: “While there remain some vacant premises on Place Giffard-Langevin, notably under the Odalys hotel, this is largely explained by national trends, such as the closures of certain brands and the rise of teleworking, and the return of particular companies to Paris.”
Moreover, two remaining islands are yet to be marketed: “The first is located behind the future Caisse des Dépôts, facing the engineering barracks, while another sits along Boulevard Yvonne Poirel, currently accommodating food trucks. We have not yet found a buyer, but once the market is more favorable, we will be able to finalize the marketing.”, she concludes, emphasizing a hopeful outlook for the future.
By Eline Vion.
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What are the key features of the ongoing transformation in the Cours Saint-Laud district?
. It’s great to see the transformation firsthand, and it truly feels more alive now,” he shares.
Looking Ahead
As the Cours Saint-Laud district moves forward, the promise of a vibrant mixed-use community beckons. With plans for more residential units, green spaces, and public amenities, the area is set to thrive even more. “We’re just getting started with this transformation, and I can’t wait to see where we’ll be in a few years. It’s all about creating a community that thrives,” Inès Belaouni noted enthusiastically.
the ongoing evolution of the Cours Saint-Laud district highlights the resilience of local businesses and the potential for vibrant community life. The mixture of burgeoning offices, eclectic retail, and resident-friendly spaces could redefine urban living in Angers. So here’s to the enterprising spirit of local traders, the new residents who will call this area home, and the exciting future that lies ahead. Cheers to a revived neighborhood that promises to be a hub of activity!
By Eline Vion.
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