Lyon, France – The ambitious project to develop the right bank of the Rhône River in Lyon, aimed at creating pedestrian-friendly areas and green spaces, has been definitively abandoned by the Lyon Metropolis. This decision, revealed by our colleagues at Lyon Capitale, follows an initial slowdown in the project last March.
Mayor Grégory Doucet Expresses Disappointment and Lack of Communication
The announcement quickly drew a strong reaction from Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet, who asserted that he had not been informed of the decision by Véronique Sarselli, the new LR president of the collectivity.
“Our country is experiencing historic heatwave episodes that are severely testing the population. Lyon residents are suffocating, and the president of the Lyon Metropolis is abandoning, with a wave of a hand, without informing us and without proposing an alternative, an ambitious project for our city. We were ready to discuss evolving the project, but the Metropolis refuses,” stated Mayor Doucet.
He further emphasized the project’s importance: “The transformation of the Rhône right bank means bringing greenery and shade back to the heart of the city, more space for pedestrians, better shared mobility, and direct access to the river.”
Environmentalists Condemn the Decision, Citing Health and Climate Concerns
The Ecologist group within the Metropolis also criticized the abandonment, highlighting the environmental benefits the project would have brought.
“The right-wing is therefore abandoning the creation of a garden promenade, 1,200 trees, 30,000 square meters of in-ground plantings, more permeable soils, better access to the Rhône, more space for pedestrians, as well as facilities dedicated to buses and bicycles,” the group commented.
They concluded by stating, “This abandonment confirms a political orientation: to postpone necessary transformations, preserve existing car uses, and delay the adaptation of our city to extreme heat. The Metropolis prefers inaction to the attractiveness of the city center and sacrifices the health of Lyon residents, which is regrettable.”
Metropolis Yet to Officially Confirm or Comment
As of the time of publication, the Lyon Metropolis has not yet confirmed or officially commented on this new development when contacted by our editorial team.
The project, initially conceived by environmentalists for the city of Lyon, aimed to transform a significant portion of the Rhône quays into a more accessible and greener urban space. Its abandonment raises questions about the future of urban planning in Lyon and the city’s strategy for adapting to climate change, particularly in light of recurring heatwaves.
The controversy underscores a growing political divide concerning urban development priorities in Lyon, with environmental and pedestrian-focused initiatives clashing with traditional approaches to city planning and mobility.
The right bank of the Rhône is a crucial artery in Lyon, and its future development, or lack thereof, will undoubtedly continue to be a subject of intense debate among local politicians, residents, and environmental advocates.
Source: https://actu.fr/https:/actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/la-metropole-de-lyon-abandonne-pour-de-bon-le-projet-rive-droite-du-rhone-dans-le-dos-de-gregory-doucet_64578945.html
