The Scalbert-Dupont bank was one of the largest historical financial institutions in northern France, before it was nationalised and incorporated into the CIC network in the 1980s. Its former head office, which is part of Lille's heritage and was built in the late 1920s by local architect Jean Delrue, is about to change function. The Oceania group has embarked on a major renovation project to convert the site into a four-star hotelIt is due to open in the summer of 2024. "I fell in love with it on my very first visitexplains Rozenn Branellec-Dumon, Managing Director of Oceania Hotels. The building is magnificent, with its red brickwork, modenature and ironwork on the balconies.."
The glass dome at the entrance, the grand staircases: in addition to the historic façade, the renovation, designed by Laurence Goardon of the A26 architectural practice, will preserve the identity of the place in a hushed atmosphere, both Art Deco and inspired by the world of finance. More details, the safe room will house... a swimming pool! The basement also features a spa, sauna, fitness room and numerous massage rooms.
As the bank's head office was once built on the site of the chapel and cloister of the Augustins convent, this original function of the site will be reflected in the name of the hotel, which will be Oceania Lille Les Augustins. Located in the historic centre, five minutes' walk from Lille-Flandres station and 10 minutes from Lille-Europe, the hotel will have 88 rooms, including several suites, as well as a magnificent bar under the glass roof, complete with a restaurant area. For business travellers on the move, there will be three intimate lounges dedicated to coworking and two seminar roomsone large and one smaller.
While renovations are often less conducive to the implementation of eco-responsible building standards, the Oceania Lille Les Augustins likes to present itself as the future Lille's first low-carbon hotel. Among its initiatives, the inner courtyard and part of the roof will be greened, and charging points for electric bikes will also be installed.
Thanks to this development, Océania will be moving into northern France for the first time. At the same time, the group, which currently has 27 hotels, will be adding to its portfolio of historic establishments in major French cities, such as the Hôtel de l'Univers in Tours, the Métropole in Montpellier, the Hôtel de France in Nantes and the Continental in Brest, where the Breton group has its head office. This Art Deco-style establishment is currently being renovated and will present its new face in February 2023.
