Major Investment to Revitalize University Campuses in Lyon and Saint-Étienne
Lyon, January 14, 2026 – The Community of Universities and Establishments (Comue) Lyon Saint-Étienne has announced a significant investment of nearly €170 million for the transformation of its campuses. This ambitious plan encompasses approximately twenty real estate operations designed to modernize and enhance the learning, research, and student life environments across Lyon and Saint-Étienne.
Established in 2015, the Comue Lyon Saint-Étienne serves as a central coordinating body for university activities in the Lyon and Saint-Étienne regions. It unites 37 institutions, including universities, ‘grandes écoles,’ research organizations, and private general interest establishments, serving over 180,000 students. While its primary role is strategic and transversal, real estate development is a key action area.
“At the regional level, university assets represent approximately 1.5 million square meters. This is a crucial factor for the quality of teaching, research, and student life,” stated Nicolas Coureau, Director of Real Estate Strategy for Comue Lyon Saint-Étienne, who oversees campus development and student life.
A Decade of Investment and Growth
Over the past fifteen years, nearly one billion euros have been invested in the region’s campuses, with approximately €600 million managed or supported by the Comue. This progressive scaling up has enabled the institution to develop shared project management expertise, a rare achievement at this scale in France.
Currently, the Comue is managing or supporting around twenty ongoing real estate projects, with a total estimated value of €170 million. These projects typically have long timelines, often spanning five to ten years, and are financed through a combination of state funds, local government contributions, the State-Region Plan Contract (CPER), and the institutions’ own resources.
Key Projects Across Both Cities
Among the most prominent projects is the new Veterinary University Hospital (CHU) in Marcy-l’Etoile. With a budget of approximately €30 million, this project includes the construction of a new hospital building and dedicated research spaces. The architectural competition has concluded, the building permit is in preparation, and construction is slated to begin in late 2026. The existing CHU buildings will be repurposed and subsequently rehabilitated.
Another significant undertaking is the modular hall at the National Superior Conservatory of Music and Dance (CNSMD) in Lyon, representing an investment of around €20 million. Located on the historic Saône riverfront, this project involves extensive renovation and expansion. It marks the first phase of a master real estate plan valued at €60 million over 20 years.
The Comue is also supporting the renovation of the National School of Architecture of Lyon. This heritage project focuses on the building’s exterior and improving its energy performance. The initial budget is estimated at €6 million, with potential adjustments for technical constraints identified during studies.
Modernization Efforts in Saint-Étienne
In Saint-Étienne, a major modernization project at the École des mines represents an investment of approximately €36 million. This initiative aims for a comprehensive upgrade of the campus, addressing both functional and energy efficiency aspects, to align the buildings with contemporary teaching and research needs. The work will be carried out in successive phases while the campus remains operational, adhering to the CPER schedule.
“For most of our large projects, we are looking at long timelines of 5 to 10 years… And we have the constraint of staying within budget without overruns,” explained Nicolas Coureau. “As the State has less financial flexibility, we incorporate a minimum of anticipation for unforeseen inflation or construction contingencies.”
The École des mines will also see the development of “Twin,” a future industrial innovation building.
Developments on the Doua Campus in Villeurbanne
The Doua campus in Villeurbanne is a focal point of this development drive. “It is one of the most active sites, with several operations conducted on an occupied site, which requires precise phasing and strong coordination among stakeholders,” highlighted Nicolas Coureau.
A primary structural project, the physics district of Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, has a budget exceeding €20 million. The university is the contracting authority, and the project is currently in the preliminary design phase after the selection of the project manager. The next steps involve finalizing the project phase (PRO), submitting the building permit, and then launching tenders for the various construction packages. The work, planned in functional sections, will involve high-tech research laboratories, integrating HVAC, special fluids, and high-performance energy equipment.
The Comue is directly involved as the contracting authority for the conversion of the campus’s former boiler house, an emblematic 20th-century industrial heritage building. The financial envelope is estimated at €9 million, including preliminary operations for cleaning, asbestos removal, and decontamination. A consultation for project management is underway. The timeline includes a study phase in 2025-2026, submission of a building permit after the PRO, and the start of work around 2027, with delivery anticipated by 2028. This site will eventually host a hybrid tertiary building dedicated to exchanges between academics and researchers, a project entirely led by the Comue, similar to the I-Factory innovation site inaugurated on November 13.
Additionally, the renovation of Lyon 1’s ambulatory, which includes five 250-seat amphitheaters, is planned. Valued at over €5 million, this project involves extensive renovation of the exterior envelope while maintaining ongoing activities. The building permit has been submitted, and tenders for construction companies are expected shortly.
Finally, several exterior renovations of buildings in the geode sector complete the program, totaling €13.5 million. These interventions will focus on facades, roofs, and energy performance, deployed in successive phases between 2025 and 2027.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Beyond university facilities, these investments represent a significant volume of contracts for construction and public works companies. “The requirements are high, both in terms of architectural quality and energy performance or management of occupied sites, but the dynamic is set to continue,” emphasized Nicolas Coureau.
The Lyon and Saint-Étienne campuses will continue their transformation over the next decade, offering regular opportunities for the entire sector. These projects aim not only to improve the physical infrastructure but also to foster a more dynamic and innovative environment for students and researchers, solidifying the region’s position as a leading academic hub.
Source: https://mesinfos.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/un-plan-a-170-millions-d-euros-pour-transformer-les-campus-de-lyon-et-de-saint-etienne-237389.html
