New public spaces open in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite

On October 21, the Tanneries Park and Valmy Place were officially inaugurated in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite. These new public spaces are part of the broader redevelopment of the La Saulaie neighborhood, which plans to build nearly 870 housing units.

Public spaces aim to connect the community

The park and the redesigned square of the former station were presented to residents during a joint event. Located near Oullins station and the B metro line, the neighborhood faces the challenge of creating spaces for walking, play, and socializing before the arrival of new housing projects. These developments are the first phase of a project covering twenty hectares.

Tanneries Park features green areas and facilities

Tanneries Park spans 6,500 square meters along railway tracks, built on the site of an old parking lot. It includes two playgrounds, relaxation areas, and a climbing area. The park combines green spaces, leisure facilities, and plantings, transforming a formerly industrial area into a public space.

Greening efforts and community input

Nearly 5,000 square meters of the park are covered in greenery, with over forty trees planted in addition to those already on site. The name Tanneries was chosen after consulting residents, reflecting the area’s industrial past with tanneries that once employed workers in Oullins.

Valmy Place replaces old station square

Valmy Place, covering 1,400 square meters in front of the library, replaces the square of the old SNCF station. More than 1,000 square meters of the area have been de-surfaced to create a pedestrian-friendly space that connects the existing neighborhood with the future housing blocks of La Saulaie.

Long-term plans include housing and infrastructure

The official project plans 870 new housing units by 2033, with 60 percent designated as affordable housing. The local authority expects around 2,000 new residents and new businesses to move in. The plan also includes a school, nursery, gym, and swimming pool, with a sports hall and swimming pool expected by 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Green spaces and transportation links are key

The project includes 4.8 hectares of green spaces and improved pedestrian and cycling connections. A bridge to Gerland is planned for 2028, aiming to reduce the neighborhood’s isolation caused by nearby railways, roads, and rivers.

Sustainable practices and historical references

The initial works reused materials from old buildings, using stones for retaining walls and preparing soils for future plantings. A statue of Joseph-Marie Jacquard, a local historical figure, was placed on Valmy Place to honor the area’s industrial heritage.

Project costs and future events

The cost of the first public spaces reached 1.9 million euros, according to Lyon Capitale. The neighborhood is also set to host the Olympic village for the 2030 Winter Games, with construction starting in mid-2027. The Tanneries Park and Valmy Place are already open to residents.