Hosting the Olympic Games is always accompanied by ambitious projects for the host cities. Paris is no exception to the rule, with the Gare du Nord preparing to undergo a colossal transformation in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games. SNCF Gares & Connexions has announced that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Ceetrus, a specialist in mixed-use real estate combining shops, housing and offices, to completely rethink what is already Europe's leading station, with more than 700,000 people passing through every day.
The station will simply triple in size from 36,000 m2 to 110,000 m². This should enable it to cope with the 40 % growth expected between now and 2030 in the North of France - stimulated in particular by the expansion of low-cost TGVs. Ouigo - as well as the development of Eurostar, which is expected to grow by almost 50% at peak times. Ultimately, the station could see more than 800,000 passengers by 2024 and 900,000 by 2030.
" Gare du Nord is set to become the emblematic station of the 21st century by adapting as many services as possible to the expectations of our society. It's a colossal challenge to triple the size of this station for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Gare du Nord has never seen a major transformation," says Patrick Ropert, Director General of SNCF Gares & Connexions. Gare du Nord, which welcomed its first RER trains in 1981, then Eurostar and TGV trains in 1993, had not undergone a major transformation since 2001, when the departures hall was enlarged.
Architect Denis Valode, from Valode et Pistrehas been commissioned to rethink the station designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff in 1864, with visual artist Yann Kersalé involved in the project for the lighting. The first of these major works, the construction of a new terminal will make it possible to smoothing the flow of arrivals and departuresThe Eurostar terminal will also be enlarged to meet the increased customs controls linked to Brexit. The Eurostar terminal will also be enlarged in order to meet the increased customs controls linked to Brexit, with video surveillance helping to secure the station. In addition, for the comfort of passengers, circulation spaces will be multiplied by 2.5, with improved accessibility thanks to 55 lifts and 105 escalators. Access to the metro lines and bus station will also be improved.
The new Gare du Nord, with its 7,700 m2 of green spaces and 3,200 m2 of photovoltaic panels, will also be part of the life of the neighbourhood. For the first time in France, its rooftops will offer a 1km running trackThis will be accompanied by public changing rooms and a host of other sports facilities. At the same time, service and retail areas will be increased fivefold, with a quarter of the surface area dedicated to catering. A European Academy of Culture, a concept devised by writer Olivier Guez, will also be deployed, in addition to a 1,600m2 hall for hosting events and concerts. On the business side, the station will also incorporate acoworking space WeWork of 5,500 m².
" This ambitious redevelopment of the Gare du Nord, carried out by the SNCF Group with the support of the City of Paris, will make it possible to meet the following challenges a dual challenge Improving the quality of life for Parisians who live in the area, while welcoming visitors more effectively.said Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris. With its cultural and sports facilities, coworking spaces, shops and green spaces, the Gare du Nord will become a real meeting place, a place where people can get together and share ideas. "
