Lyon, July 25 – A significant urban development project for Lyon’s Part-Dieu district was reportedly on the verge of being approved, involving the construction of a 145-meter-high tower. Didier Caudard-Breille, President of DCB International, a prominent real estate developer, stated that his company was close to an agreement with the Métropole de Lyon, under its previous ecological leadership, to erect this new skyscraper.
DCB International’s Vision for Part-Dieu
Didier Caudard-Breille, known for projects like the regional headquarters of Alstom Transport and the national headquarters of Adecco, has recently completed two operations in Part-Dieu. In an interview published in the August-September 2026 issue of “nouveau Lyon” magazine, he detailed the advanced negotiations for the 145-meter tower, which would include a mix of housing, a four-star hotel, and office spaces.
The proposed tower, referred to as M2, would be located between the recently delivered M+ building and the Métropole’s headquarters. Caudard-Breille outlined the planned distribution of space:
- Housing: 7,000 to 8,000 square meters
- Four-star hotel: 10,000 square meters
- Office space: 15,000 to 20,000 square meters for targeted user-buyers
The project also envisioned two top floors accessible to the public, featuring a bar, a restaurant, and a ‘step into the void’ attraction, offering panoramic views of the city.
M+ Building Nears Completion and Occupancy
DCB International’s immediate focus is on the delivery of the M+ building, scheduled for October 29, 2026. This 30,000-square-meter building in Part-Dieu boasts a prime value in Lyon, with rents at 390 euros per square meter per year. The project, initiated in 2003 with the acquisition of the former Veuve Morin-Pons bank premises, was sold ‘en blanc’ to BlackRock, with DCB International retaining 12% of the shares and the bare ownership of the residential units at the top.
Despite a challenging market, DCB International has secured Slib, a software publisher, as a tenant for 805 square meters. La Poste, a previous occupant, will also remain. Each 3,800-square-meter floor can be divided into four sections, starting from 593 square meters. M+ offers a comprehensive service package, including a concierge, a 167-seat auditorium, seven meeting rooms, a catering area, a 700-square-meter rooftop, and a gym. Slib, for example, will have a dedicated coach for its employees.
Regarding the three commercial spaces on the ground floor, interest has been shown, and while some may become restaurants, a gym is also a possibility.
Addressing New Political Leadership and Future Projects
Caudard-Breille expressed his desire to meet with the newly elected officials as soon as possible to discuss the M2 project. He emphasized the long lead time for such large-scale developments, typically four to five years to launch. To commence construction, 60% to 70% of pre-commercialization is required, a threshold he claims has already been met.
He highlighted the strong demand for a new hotel in Part-Dieu and questioned whether Lyon should solely focus on social housing. Caudard-Breille hopes that M2 will symbolize Lyon’s economic resurgence, creating a ‘magical linear’ along Rue Garibaldi with the new administrative city, M+, M2, and the Métropole’s headquarters. He believes Lyon needs new grand projects to reclaim its position in Europe.
Broader Context of Lyon’s Transformation
The “nouveau Lyon” magazine issue, which features this interview, is dedicated to
