In Rome, the Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills and hosts imposing residences of emperors. In Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, Le Palatin is a new residence of contemporary architecture on three levels in the heights of the city. No palace, but 31 apartments ranging from T2 to T4 100% in social rental.

It’s no secret that the town of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon is severely lacking in social housing. While the SRU law imposes 25%, the city is at 8.1%. “In the 3rd PLU of the Agglomeration of Grand Avignon, which runs until 2025, Villeneuve has set the objective of building 600 housing units, including 378 in social housing.», Reports Monique Novaretti, regional councilor of the canton.

This operation is therefore a good opportunity to reduce the gaps in social housing in the municipality. But also to offer Villeneuvois and the inhabitants of the surrounding area decent, well-insulated accommodation with heating. In the residence, 16 T2 have been designed for seniors (shower bar, raised WC, electric shutters …). Each apartment has exterior access (loggia or terrace) and underground parking. There are also 15 parking spaces in the overhead parking lot and three two-wheeled rooms in the basement. Since the end of May, the first inhabitants have been able to start settling.

This project was led by Arcade Promotion, the 4th largest player in the social housing market in France. Each year, the group builds around 5,000 housing units and carries out 30 operations in the Region. While the mayor Pascale Bories sensed some fears about the integration of this new residence in the district, Franck Balaste, the general manager, made sure to meet the specifications and the requirements of the PLU (Local Urban Plan). Protections have been incorporated to preserve the privacy of the houses around, and trees have also been planted.

In addition to the living environment, the municipality’s other priority was to avoid everything “ghetto“by promoting good living together and diversity. The diversity of the accommodation on offer (between 45 and 88m2),”meets the needs of the entire population.“And that’s when we know that around 70% of Gardois are eligible for social housing.

Marie Meunier

The Le Palatin residence needs a budget of 4,191 million euros. It was funded by the State, the Gard departmental council, the Agglo du Grand Avignon, the Occitanie Region, the municipality of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon to the tune of € 294,000. Action Logement and the Banque des Territoires also participated in the financing.