Te Vaux-en-Velin project in Lyon, France is a "Grand Projet Urbain", which is a national regeneration program. Vaux-en-Velin, with its a population of 44,000 is situated in the Lyon urban region. The main part of the town is composed of social housing built in the 1970's near what was formerly a small rural village. Problems include: lack of a real town center; large empty space in the social housing area coupled with difficulties with the existing shopping area; social issues including unemployment and violence; poor town image. The aim was to tackle all of these issues with a global and integrated approach to physical and social regeneration that included building a new town center. This project was led by the Mayor and the local Councilors supported by central government.
Housing was refurbished or demolished; the old shopping center was demolished and a new commercial center was created; improved structured route ways were created in the area; and a range of cultural activities was put in place. Despite the difficulties in implementing the project (due to economic crisis, considerable individual and collective difficulties of the local community, financial costs) certain factors were important in making the project go ahead. These included a partnership with a strong political will; simultaneous interventions on social and physical aspects; regular meetings between the local population and the professionals which helped to achieve more suitable solutions.
Further Information:Â
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions - URBAN EXCHANGE INITIATIVE
Â
|
RSS