The Lille European Metropolis gathers 95 municipalities, for about 1.2 Million inhabitants.
The centre of MEL is densely populated with limited surfaces of parks and green infrastructure. The territory is crossed by the Deule river. Several municipalities lay on the Deule’s banks, among which Marquette-Lez-Lille, Saint-André-Lez-Lille and La Madeleine. Up to now, the three municipalities have not developed facing the river, which is rather hidden. Â
A development project is currently taking place on an area spreading over the three municipalities: a former industrial site of 115 ha on the Deule’s bank is currently under urban transformation. Several housing projects were already erected. They will also include social housing. A new tramway line is planned, whereas cars were mostly used up to now in the three cities. There will also be a new park of nearly 20 ha on a site partly polluted. It is also envisaged to construct a building hosting services such as a media library, a swimming pool next to the park.
Because this project is such a rare opportunity in this densely populated area, the development process to create the park is a real challenge. The ambitions are very high and the methodology has to be well thought through.
Therefore, we would like to find solutions and methodologies to develop this area and especially the future park in which multiple uses should be included (leisure, sport, biodiversity conservation…). In order for the project to be successful, we need to involve the local population, have they recently moved in the new residential buildings or on the contrary have they been living in the municipalities for years. The development of a common sense of belonging is a challenge in this area under changes. The park should also take advantage of its location on the rivers’ banks.  Temporary projects also have to be prepared before the park can be fully developed.