In Longuenesse, real estate programs are flourishing
Real estate in Longuenesse is flourishing under the impetus of its councilors. After having lost 2,000 inhabitants in thirty years and faced with an aging population, the commune of Pas-de-Calais is taking action. The municipality’s objective is to stop the loss and prevent the city from falling below the 10,000 inhabitants mark, where it could lose its endowment. To respond to this problem, 9 real estate projects, i.e. 270 housing units, have been launched.
Social housing for all
The town hall of Longuenesse reacted quickly and many property developers and social landlords responded to the call. With the primary objective, the desire to keep aging people in the area. “We observed that as they age, homeowners want to move into an apartment. Out of 10,000 inhabitants, there must be 2,000 people over the age of 65. The request is present”explains the mayor of Longuenesse, Christian Coupez.
People with disabilities, the elderly, people in financial difficulty… Everyone will find what they are looking for in Longuenesse. “Our advantage is that we can have 35% of social housing in our municipality and therefore accommodate many people. Contrary to the average which is 20%details the chosen one. For example, the Symphony residence contains eight apartments adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Revalorize the territory
The real estate programs include the construction of new subdivisions which revitalize the districts. “With the Salamander residence taken care of by Flandre Opale Habitat, the wastelands, along Avenue Léon Blum, will be upgraded since they left the impression that the neighborhood was abandoned”, adds Christian Coupez. The beguinage will take shape on the site of the former Jean-Jaurès school. The project provides for 75 collective housing units: 25 for home ownership, 25 reserved for the elderly and 25 will be social housing. The program also includes the construction of 25 free lots for individual houses.
The town hall also intends to upgrade the Ferme des Berceaux, a historic monument from the 17th century, to make it a cultural place surrounded by luxury apartments. “It’s a stressful file that has been delayed for a long time by the promoters. It was hard to find one but I did. We must act quickly before the farm falls into ruins. On an invested €15,000 to keep it”, assures the mayor of Longuenesse.
In addition to these new constructions, empty houses could be bought, which marks the arrival of new inhabitants. But it will take time to compensate for departures (deaths, moves). As for the projects, they are progressing slowly but surely. “Of the nine, out of two projects that are underway and nearing completion. We are on schedule since it generally takes 2 to 3 years of reviewing the files before starting the work»found Thibault Barret, director general of town hall services.