Toulouse: “projects on hold, others are moving forward”
For Francis Grass, while the Cité de la Musique is awaiting funding, other projects are moving forward and will soon be delivered.
Why does the City not buy the former Saint-Michel prison?
We have been asking the State, the Region and the Department for two years for a financial round to finance the project. A rehearsal room is needed for the Orchester du Capitole, which does not have one and must rehearse at the Halle aux Grains, but it is also a public facility for the district. The project turns out to be between 100 and 150 million euros. We are waiting for this financial round.
And for the Cité des Arts in La Grave?
A first stage is underway with the restoration of the Dome which will be delivered at the end of 2022. It will be a first place to welcome visitors, retracing the history of the hospital, and highlighting the chapel, the works and the furniture contained . The development of the historic square provides a place to host major international and regional exhibitions, which Toulouse cannot currently accommodate, artist residencies or cultural activities (training, audiovisual). There will also be the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center (CIAP). The project will be spread over two terms, for technical reasons, the PPRI (flood risk prevention plan) not being concluded. We approached the Orsay or Louvre museums, which are also liable to flooding on the banks of the Seine.
What projects are moving forward?
Projects will be carried out well before the end of the mandate and their planned budgets. The set and costume workshops of the Théâtre du Capitole, currently broadcast in seven locations, will be grouped together in Montaudran at the end of 2023. The Giscard house will host the Earth workshops by 2023. The Théâtre de la Digue will become a place of work and creation for theatre, dance and circus. The Water Tower, extended to accommodate Lieu Z, will enhance the Dieuzaide fund. Without forgetting the Cité de la Danse in Reynerie, a national facility whose program and specifications are currently being worked on.