Decathlon City to Revitalize Villeurbanne’s Gratte-Ciel District with New Store Opening
Villeurbanne, June 17, 2026 – The Gratte-Ciel district of Villeurbanne, part of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, is preparing for a significant retail addition with the grand opening of a new Decathlon City store. Scheduled to commence operations on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 9:30 AM, the new sports retailer will be located at the prominent Henri-Barbusse Avenue, taking over the premises of the former Intersport store.
This 700-square-meter Decathlon City outlet marks the sixth Decathlon store in the Lyon agglomeration and is specifically designed to cater to urban shoppers, offering a convenient, central location for residents of Villeurbanne and surrounding communities to access a wide range of sports equipment and apparel.
Strategic Location and Urban Transformation
The arrival of Decathlon City is viewed as a crucial step in the ongoing transformation of the historic Gratte-Ciel district. The Société Villeurbannaise d’Urbanisme (SVU), responsible for steering the ZAC Gratte-Ciel city center project, emphasizes the store’s role in the area’s commercial renewal and modernization efforts.
For months, speculation surrounded the future of the large, vacant commercial space left by Intersport’s closure a year ago. The SVU had a clear objective: to maintain a sports-oriented retailer at this strategic location. Decathlon’s establishment fulfills this vision, ensuring the avenue retains its identity as a hub for sports retail.
Store Details and Renovation Efforts
The new Decathlon City store will occupy approximately two-thirds of the original Intersport space, spread across the ground floor and basement levels. The entire commercial cell underwent a six-month renovation project, orchestrated by the SVU, with an investment of approximately 800,000 euros. This extensive work included dividing the larger space into two distinct units and upgrading the building’s technical infrastructure.
A strong emphasis was placed on energy performance during the renovation. The building has been brought into compliance with the ‘décret tertiaire,’ a French regulation promoting energy efficiency in tertiary sector buildings. Notable improvements include connection to a geothermal power plant and the reuse of certain materials, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices.
Future Developments and Community Impact
The remaining one-third of the former Intersport premises is slated to welcome a
