Gaëlle Lévêque: “We are launching major structuring projects for young people and living together”

Gaëlle Lévêque made her political comeback this Wednesday, December 18. Midi Libre – ALAIN MENDEZ

Work on the renovation of the equipment and the development of the sports complex, the renovation of the swimming pool or the transformation of the Grézac area is starting or will start… While waiting for those on the Municipal Park. 

How did this return to school go for you ?

Good. After some wonderful moments of sharing with the population in 2024 during the inauguration of the work on the cathedral bell tower, the summer events or the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Lodève, after the signing of the new City Contract which mobilizes many institutional and local actors to reduce the significant precariousness in the heart of the city, we will enter a period of the mandate where major structuring projects for young people, families and living together will emerge, despite a desperate national political context.

That is to say ?

We have gone through phases of electoral campaigns led on the division of society, we still do not have a government which puts us in a period of instability at a time when we need a strong Republic. The communities could still be called upon to compensate for the public deficit, while we need additional services to the population in our rural areas. Besides that, in Lodève, we can count on a lot of initiatives that contribute to better living together.

Can we talk about the big projects that are starting up ?

I would first like to point out that the work undertaken over the past 3 years on schools, municipal buildings and public lighting has enabled us to reduce our energy consumption by 50%, which is not neutral for our operations. Yes, we have started work to transform the lawn into water-saving synthetic turf at the Beaumont stadium, and more generally the renovation of the sports complex's equipment. It will include the creation of relaxation areas in addition to the equipment, and soft mobility between middle and high schools on both sides. We will name him Victor Koretzky, our silver medalist in mountain biking this summer in Paris.

And the Nautila swimming pool ?

The first phase will begin in 2025. It will involve the resumption of the pools for a reopening in July after three summers of closure. We will then develop play and recreational areas for 2026.
Work on the Grézac area will begin ?
In a few weeks with 8 months of work. We have 7000m² of concrete space. The objective is to renature it and multiply the uses around a large garden open to families, young people, athletes with a flow park, a 5-a-side football pitch, a multi-sport, street workout modules, to be invested by the people of Lodévois.

Which will be added to the Municipal Park also taken over ?

Exactly. We are lucky to have this wooded place in the heart of the city, which is close to the hearts of the people of Lodévois. On the other hand, it is aging. We will resume development and carry out a replanting plan after having conducted a study and consultation with the population. Next door, there is the south wing of the Episcopal Palace where the town hall is located with a south wing intended to accommodate office spaces and co-working.

What about the problem of unsanitary housing ?

After the Place du Marché block, with the construction of 9 housing units and a brasserie, work on the Saint-Pierre block at the bottom of Rue de Lergue has been completed with the creation of 3 housing units already sold. Work will now begin on the Fleury block at the corner of Grand-Rue and Rue de la République. In addition, we have just launched the Rental Permit with the Community of Communes. With the ANCT and Territoire 34, several businesses have also been renovated, including the one on the corner of Grand-Rue and Rue Fleury, where a tea room will open.

What other projects are you working on? ?

We continue to monitor health and safety issues, which are at the heart of residents' priorities. With the ARS and the Montpellier University Hospital for emergency reception at the Lodève hospital, with the State services and the gendarmerie for the development of housing for the soldiers of the two mobile squadrons. In addition to that, we are moving forward on mobility with an innovative plan to come for traffic calming which will include the establishment of a 30km/h zone to reduce speed in the city.

We are 2 years away from the end of your first term. You will be a candidate in 2026 ?

There is still a lot to do in Lodève (smile). External feedback confirms that the image of the city is changing. The dynamics of people who love it and invest themselves, combined with municipal action, affirm the singularity of Lodève. Here, the connection between public, associative and citizen action works to fight against divisions. Above all, we need unity, to live with each other.

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