New school, gymnasium, housing… at the eastern entrance to Sète, where the future northern district is ?

A part of the future district in perspective from the Quai des Moulins.

"This ZAC must not be above ground, placed in the middle of nowhere"

A vast project whose elected officials, on June 24, had to approve the public facilities program. At the end of constructive debates throughout, the municipal council voted in principle to create a school group of nine classes (four nursery, five elementary) within the future district, as well as a school restaurant. Total cost: 8 million euros excluding tax (60% contribution from the City). A 1,500 m2 multipurpose gymnasium is also part of the project, for 5 million euros excluding tax (70% contribution from the City). “These facilities will also benefit neighboring districts, including the ZAC East entrance south bank, completes the town hall. A 2-hectare park will also be developed and will offer an additional relaxation area for residents of the neighborhood and the city." It is budgeted at 1.5 M€ excluding tax, for a 60% contribution from the City. As is already the case on the ZAC rive sud, the use of renewable energy for heating in winter and cooling in summer is enacted.

"This ZAC must not be above ground, recalls Pierre Gallizia, director of development and urban planning for the City and the Agglo of Sète. Above all, we must integrate this district into the projects of the last seven years, on the port side, the SNCF side, and with public spaces (integration of the La Peyrade canal, promenade quai des Moulins&hellip ;). This ZAC must correspond to the existing heritage and be integrated into future projects. This is not a project in the middle of nowhere."

A housing offer focused "on affordability" for an active population

The territorial director happily speaks again "active district",in which the Sétois will find culture, shops, offices and services, but above all housing. "This district must meet the needs of the territory, insists Mayor François Commeinhes. It is primarily intended to accommodate an active population and allow families, young people and households to find accommodation in the heart of the urban area. The housing supply will be focused on affordable housing, with 30% price-controlled housing and 30% social housing."

The challenge of providing public parking

Parking and access to the new district will be essential for its proper functioning. Public parking spaces will be created to complement existing car parks (Victor-Hugo, canal and Aristide-Briand) and encourage the use of public transport and gentle modes of circulation. To avoid congesting access to Sète, the early construction of the northern bypass will ensure a connection from the start of operations. In the projections, the district includes a silo car park and two underground car parks, all with 400 spaces (i.e. 1200 spaces in total). An overhead parking lot with 300 spaces, outside the ZAC perimeter, is also planned.

The City is also counting on a larger share allocated to the construction of T4s. "The housing policy will aim to facilitate the purchase for young households (first-time accession, Editor's note) and to offer housing solutions for the new jobs created, adds François Commeinhes. While the southern sector and its 18.2 hectares are still under development, elected officials have not formalized a completion date for this future northern district.

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