Pas-de-Calais: the renewed dynamism of Arras
Posted
The health crisis has pushed some inhabitants of metropolitan areas to medium-sized towns. Some of them take the opportunity to revitalize their city center, which was once deserted. Illustration in Arras (Pas de Calais).
In some mid-sized cities, the main streets are once again coming to life. The businesses are coming back, on the condition, however, of helping them to settle. In Arras (Pas de Calais), the city, known for its belfry classified as a World Heritage from Unesco, is changing with its 5% more population in the space of five years. What to boost economic activity. “It’s a dynamic city, it has everything you need, you can live», Explains a resident of Arras.
Since January, 56 new businesses have opened. Commercial pendant 17 years in a large publishing house, Laure Montagne decided to create her business in Arras. She makes personalized jewelry and her customers finally opens her own store. Arras thus has four store openings against one closure thanks to a strong municipal policy. The municipality works first on the unoccupied premises. She convinces the owners of buildings to renovate them by building housing above the store. In less than five years, the vacancy rate for shops has fallen from 22 to 7%. Project leaders are also supported and helped. 34 additional businesses should open by the end of 2021.
all the news in video
Receive most of our news with our newsletter
Subscription Bulletin
France Télévisions uses your email address to send you newsletters.
articles On the same topic
seen from europe
Every day, Franceinfo selects content from the European public audiovisual media, members of Eurovision. These contents are published in English or French.