Residents protest data center plans

A group of residents in Bron, France, gathered on October 14 to voice concerns about a proposed data center to be built on the site of the former UC1 housing block in the Parilly neighborhood. The housing block was demolished in 2022, and the area is now set to host a facility that will store and process digital data.

Project details and timeline

The data center, backed by the Lyon Metropolitan Area and the City of Bron, is expected to occupy 1,000 square meters. If approved, construction could start by the end of 2026, with the project potentially completed by 2028. The facility will require advanced cooling systems and will handle large volumes of digital information.

Residents demand transparency

Many residents expressed frustration over the lack of consultation and information about the project. Approximately thirty people met at Laurent-Bonnevay square to raise concerns about potential risks, including fire hazards, noise, pollution, and security issues related to the data center's operations. They emphasized that the lack of clear communication has led to confusion and anger.

City provides some context

The City of Bron said it had discussed the project in its municipal magazine B(r)onjour. The proposal was submitted by the French company Oui.do/Things through its subsidiary Moji, which won the call for proposals. However, the project is not yet finalized, as an arbitration process in November will determine whether construction can proceed.