Unusual. The Diocese of Toulouse opens an ultra-connected 7,000 m2 co-working space
Meeting rooms, workspaces, restaurant or even bedrooms… The “village Philoté” has opened its doors in the Côte Pavée district. This is the first space of this type operated by the diocese of Toulouse.
It was necessary, for the diocese of Toulouse, to exploit this vacant space of 7,000 square meters on the site of the diocesan house of Christ the King, originally a college with boarding school, opened in the 1960s and closed in the early 1960s. 1980. But to restructure places, it was necessary to invest 700,000 euros.
On a plot of four hectares, this new, highly equipped co-working space (full HD screens, microphones, connected rooms, etc.) now offers various services for businesses, training centers and Occitan associations.
Upon reservation, potential customers can have access to seven meeting rooms, a restaurant and 25 rooms, all equipped with wifi. The diocese has opted for competitive rates: 250 euros per half-day for a meeting room, 800 euros for the conference room.
A surprising initiative that will allow structures and individuals who need it, say officials on their websiteto take advantage of a “real haven of peace“, ten minutes by car from the city center.
“For us, it is also about creating the opportunity to meet, to forge other links with civil society“, explains Hervé Gaignard, vicar general of the diocese of Toulouse.I am delighted that we have succeeded in transforming the diocesan house [vouée à regrouper les services administratifs et pastoraux du diocèse, ndlr] in a place as open to the world as possible.“
“Before, we functioned in an artisanal way, in a church house mode; now, nothing distinguishes us from a traditional business center“, enthused Patrice Bucchianeri, director of the association for the management of diocesan houses, at ToulEco.
The idea of the Philoté village was born from a need: to preserve these places steeped in history. “The diocesan house quickly proved to be very expensive in terms of fixed costs and building maintenance», emphasizes Hervé Gaignard. “And the occupancy rate of the meeting rooms did not exceed 10%.“
Designated funds do not provide real profits. But they will be used for the maintenance and renovation of the premises. “The investments we have made are substantial, but reasonable. Our goal is not to make profit“, insists Hervé Gaignard. “For us, this is about developing resources to maintain the premises.“
The diocese continues to use its buildings for the organization of pastoral events, mostly on weekends. But can now hope to breathe financially. With places adapted to current standards of comfort, and open to lay people.
The Philoté village, 28 rue de l’Aude – 31500 Toulouse. More iInformation: 05 62 71 80 30 – [email protected]