Le Figaro Bordeaux
A pharaonic construction site began this week on Place Saint-Michel in Bordeaux. A huge scaffolding is being erected around the historical monument of the spire of Saint-Michel, the tallest bell tower in France south of the Loire. By June 2023, about 700 tons of metal construction will be built around the 114-meter building so that we can continue its renovation. The value is estimated at 11.6 million euros. A job that should last three years, with a lasting impact on life in the neighborhood.
“This is a construction site that will mark the date“, – declares Bordeaux city councilor Baptiste Maurin. “The last chamber will typically be removed in late 2025“, indicate the companies responsible for the project. The deputy mayor of the district, Olivier Cazo, however, warns of a possible “terrain hazards and climatic hazards“. The inhabitants of Bordeaux will therefore have to get used to the fact that this square, which has already been completely rebuilt between 2013 and 2015, will be under construction for several years. With the exception of the Sunday market, the markets will move to the Quai des Salinières.
A security zone around the bell tower now prevents access to Place Saint-Michel, which includes many shops and terraces of bars, cafes and restaurants. While the work is still just beginning, some traders are showing their concern. “The neighborhood atmosphere is killing us a bit” wails Frederic, the manager of the tea room opposite the shrine. He regrets the loss of space to install his terrace. “It will be nicer later, that’s for sure, but it’s going to be a mess for five years“.
An inevitable repair program
Same story for Hassan, the clerk at the tobacconist bar overlooking the church. This merchant fears that the works will reduce the number of his customers. “Customers will have to get used to going all the way.He admits, however, that “in a few years it will beautify the place“. One of the local residents assures that despite the work.the terraces are always full, even when reduced“.
This renovation project, started a few years ago, was inevitable. After the 1999 storm, sensors detected cracks in the structure, threatening the integrity of this 14th to 17th century building. After approximately 3,000 hours of research to create the appropriate scaffolding, 12,500 hours are now planned for the assembly and disassembly of this metal structure, the first foundations of which were laid this week.
After the installation of the metal frame and scaffolding, which is scheduled for June 2023, the upper section will be restored until April 2024, before the partial dismantling of the metal structures and restoration of the scaffolding to approach the stone. Remedial interventions will then take place until August 2025 for areas between 47 and 63 meters of the tower. Finally, in November 2025, all structures will be dismantled.
Of the planned 11.6 million euros, the city finances up to 4.5 million. Since the peak is a historical monument, the state allocates 3.6 million euros to the preservation of the heritage. A grant of 1.3 million euros was also requested from the district council. Finally, two million is allocated as part of the investment assistance grant.
Source: Le Figaro
