Toulouse: mobilization around a small garden threatened with destruction
The Allée des Soupirs garden in the Busca district risks being destroyed as part of the work on the 3rd metro line. The inhabitants and Toulouse Métropole Habitat, co-owner of the place, are trying to find a solution.
In the 1970s, Jacques Dutronc sang of the destiny of the “Petit Jardin” dedicated to the appetite of promoters. Today, the Allée des Soupirs garden in Le Busca is also in danger of disappearing under the sharp teeth of diggers. Created four years ago by a group of residents concerned about social ties and well-being in the city, this little garden with the pretty name of Intuitive has grown over the years thanks to the care provided by the district. “At first, this land, of which Toulouse Métropole Habitat is co-owner, was just a simple wasteland, assures Véronique Baradat, president of the Jardin Intuitive des Soupirs association. At the time, Abi, a resident gave him this name”. Today, this small garden has been transformed into a green haven of peace. In the center, a huge gnarled olive tree spread out with its branches, while the insects meet in the wooden house intended for them. Roses, passionflower, aromatic herbs (chives, mint), tomato plants, etc., are the hosts of this garden where lizards run around. “This space entrusts the inhabitants of the district between the fire station and the Allée des Soupirs, continues Véronique Baradat. It allows you to get to know each other better. Having such a place in the middle of the neighborhood is invaluable”.
“We were promised to preserve the olive tree”
As part of the arrival of the 3rd metro line, Toulouse Métropole Habitat wants to regain possession of the land to install the prefabs during the works “promising to replant the olive tree”, consoles Véronique who also had proposals for other plots outside the Grand-Rond estate. “But on second thought, it doesn’t suit us. Simply because this new garden would no longer be central and would therefore lose its social aspect”.
Toulouse Métropole Habitat is thinking about a solution and recalls: “The garden in question is indeed part of the Tisséo site footprint which will be necessary for the construction of the works for the 3rd metro line. The metro project being of public utility, we have no other choice than to authorize this influence”. The housing office in Toulouse recalls “the preservation of this garden is hosted by everyone, both by its users and by TMH. It is indeed important to preserve these cultural areas in the city which also contribute to social ties. As agreed with the tenants, discussions are underway to find a new location for this garden, the size and location of which will suit everyone. Nothing has been decided to date. Even if the land is unfortunately not extendable and the possibilities , in fact limited. Once an agreement has been reached, the garden will be moved. We will also take the opportunity to regularize the situation with the users of the garden, the inhabitants who have joined this surface, which belongs to the co-ownership, without an agreement of use. It should be noted that land comes under the legal status of co-ownership. Toulouse Métropole Habitat is co-owner of the land: the adjusted decisions therefore of the general meeting of co-owners, the next meeting is scheduled for September.