Public spaces unveiled in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite

On Wednesday, October 21, the Lyon Metropolis inaugurated the first public spaces in the La Saulaie ZAC, located in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite. These spaces include Tanneries Park and Valmy Square, marking a new phase in the area's development.

Funding and future plans

The project, which cost 1.9 million euros, is part of a larger initiative to create multiple parks and squares in the neighborhood. The Tanneries Park, situated near railway lines, will soon be adjacent to the future Olympic village for the 2030 Winter Games.

Design of Valmy Square

Valmy Square, built on the site of a former parking lot, was designed with climate change in mind. It features native plant species and responds to the changes brought by the 2013 arrival of the metro and the relocation of a passenger station.

Green spaces and urban planning

The development includes 4.8 hectares of green space and three parks, guided by an urban planning approach that emphasizes health, environmental quality, and residents’ well-being. This approach includes "active design" to promote physical activity and community interaction.

Heritage and art in the new spaces

The new areas highlight the industrial heritage of Oullins-Pierre-Bénite. A statue of Joseph-Marie Jacquard, inventor of the Jacquard loom, now stands in Valmy Square. The artwork L'Homme de la Saulaie by Robert Magand has been moved to Tanneries Park after being part of a youth project in 2023.

Upcoming projects in 2027

Several new projects are set to begin in 2027, including the construction of the Olympic village, a gym, an aquatic center, a nursery, and a health house. The 4th and 5th development lots are also planned, with permits expected to be submitted by late 2023.