France/Development. Tergnier: a rewarding collaboration to revitalize the city center
In 2021, the city of Tergnier benefited from the analysis of specialists in the Hauts-de-France region as part of the national call for projects "Revitalization of city centers and town centers".
"I followed the process from A to Z, it was extremely enriching, we were lucky to be part of this call for projects," says Aurélien Gall,1st deputy mayor of the town of Tergnier. As part of the national call for projects to revitalize town and city centers, the town of Tergnier was selected to benefit from the (free) advice of town planning specialists from the Hauts-de-France region. An external viewpoint for a perspective that is not easy to have when you live and work in the area. Evaluating areas for improvement is even more difficult...
This is why the specialists who are members of the URBA8 network from the Boulogne-sur-Mer Développement Côte d'Opale and Oise-les-Vallées, but also of the CAUE, and of the CTLF Agglomeration Community (Chauny, Tergnier, La Fère) came to work hand in hand with the municipal elected officials.
"This device, called "Residence", allowed us to refine our strategic thinking and to build the project in participatory mode. In particular, to allow the city to project itself over the next 20 to 30 years," says Aurélien Gall before continuing. This outside opinion is very important. "Gathered around a table at the end of 2021, they discussed the strategy, the revaluation, or even the dynamization of the city ...
"Tergnier has great potential
The return of this work, originally scheduled for December 2021, was carried out in April 2022, because of the Covid-19. Specifically, this device has allowed to process the statistics of the city, planning and urban planning documents, but also to assess the needs and expectations of the commune. And when Aurélien Gall was asked about the areas of improvement identified, he insisted on the signage. "When the specialists arrived, they had no reference points, not enough signs indicating the town hall, that was the first observation. " Work that he evaluates as fast, because inexpensive, and should be done in 2023.
But that's not all, of course. The city, which is crossed by a major road axis, should, according to the recommendations made, requalify the road and its surroundings, to further develop what this sector reserves. " Tergnier has a great potential that must be developed," insists the deputy mayor, who insists, however, on the need to meditate well on this project. The investment is of a completely different nature: the project could cost around 11 million euros, and would take several years to complete...
The addition of a footbridge
Among the list of small and large projects that Tergnier's mayor wishes to carry out is the construction of a bridge that will allow the people of Tergnier to get to the Frette leisure center on foot or by bike. The 32-hectare area, covered with white sand on 20,000 m², brings an air of the Opal Coast to the heart of Picardy. "The leisure base of La Frette usually brings 5,000 people a day over the summer period, there are slides, something to eat, a water sports base... So it must be accessible from everywhere in town. "
Source: www.picardiegazette.fr/
