Villeurbanne, February 17, 2026 – A significant change is underway in Villeurbanne’s retail landscape as sports giant Decathlon prepares to open a new store in the Gratte-Ciel district. This move comes after the closure of Intersport last June, which had occupied a prominent location at the head of the Gratte-Ciel.
Intersport’s Departure and Redevelopment Efforts
Intersport’s decision to close its Gratte-Ciel store was made to prioritize its presence at La Soie. Following this, the Société Villeurbannaise d’Urbanisme (SVU), responsible for the commercial assets of Gratte-Ciel, undertook extensive renovation work. An investment of 800,000 euros was made to facilitate the arrival of a new tenant and restructure the commercial space.
This redevelopment included dividing the former Intersport commercial unit into two distinct spaces. While Decathlon will occupy one part, another sports-related activity is anticipated for the second unit. One potential scenario under consideration is the establishment of a sports hall, further enhancing the athletic offerings in the district.
Decathlon’s Strategic Move into Gratte-Ciel
The official announcement of Decathlon as the new tenant marks a strategic move for the brand, positioning it in a key commercial area of Villeurbanne. Decathlon, known for its wide range of sports equipment and apparel, is a direct competitor to Intersport, and its arrival is expected to draw significant interest from local residents and sports enthusiasts.
This development is part of a broader trend of commercial revitalization and expansion within Villeurbanne. The city has been actively working on projects such as ‘Les Contreforts,’ another extension of the Gratte-Ciel, indicating a commitment to enhancing its urban and commercial infrastructure.
Impact on Local Economy and Sports Scene
The arrival of Decathlon is anticipated to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating new employment opportunities and attracting more shoppers to the Gratte-Ciel district. For sports enthusiasts, it means enhanced access to a diverse range of sporting goods and potentially new facilities, such as the rumored sports hall.
This news follows other recent economic developments in the Lyon Métropole region, including the allocation of 1 million euros by the Métropole de Lyon to various local economic actors in sectors like cycling, health, and textiles. Additionally, Villeurbanne itself has been recognized for its entrepreneurial dynamism, ranking as the second-best city in France for creating businesses, partly due to its controlled land development and vibrant third-party spaces.
The transformation of the former Intersport site into a Decathlon store, with the potential addition of another sports-related venture, underscores Villeurbanne’s evolving retail landscape and its growing importance as a commercial and sporting hub within the Lyon metropolitan area.
