Bourg Saint Maurice - Les Arcs - Under the silent gaze of the former walls of the 7th Battalion of Alpine Chasseurs, the Alpins district is undergoing an unprecedented change. For a long time a simple space with an uncertain vocation, it is now becoming the scene of a double movement: that of a teeming cultural creation and a concrete response to the housing crisis affecting the Haute Tarentaise.
In two preserved buildings of the former barracks, the association " La Friche Artistique et Solidaire "is taking up residence.
A living and creative space designed to host artists' workshops, residencies, performances and experiments. Here, everything comes together: theatre, dance, visual arts, crafts, digital technology and writing, in a spirit of proximity to local residents.
"We had this opportunity to offer a space to a collective of citizens and artists.explains Chloé Chetelat, deputy town planning officer. These buildings were initially due to be demolished. We decided to keep them and give them a second life through transitional urban planning: rather than empty walls, we have places for meetings and projects.
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The association has been awarded a three-year contract, and this summer it will be launching its first programme of intimate concerts, participatory workshops, a community bar and collaborative projects. Eventually, the aim is to turn it into a cultural hub open all year round.
Responding to the housing crisis
But the change doesn't stop there. The Alpins district, once intended as a tourist residence, is changing its DNA. "We've opted for a year-round lifestyle, rather than a district based on the leisure economy". says Chloé Chetelat.
The old adjoining buildings will be used for seasonal and permanent accommodation: rooms with communal areas for visiting workers (firefighters, gendarmerie reinforcements, seasonal workers), and studios renovated for permanent occupation.
This programme, managed by a semi-public company with a majority municipal shareholding, aims to be completed by 2028.
At the same time, the rest of the district (see main photo) has been designed to offer an unprecedented range of housing: senior citizen residences, social housing via the BRS (Bail Réel Solidaire), participative housing and intermediary rental housing.
A district that is changing the face of the city
This mix meets a wide range of needs: young professionals, local families, retirees and seasonal workers, who are often forced to find temporary and costly solutions.
Behind these projects lies a powerful idea: to transform this former military enclave into a living and cultural area, in the image of what has already been achieved with Base Camp Lodge. A microfolie (digital access to national museum works), a recycling centre, craft workshops and a community bar will soon give the place a real buzz.
"It's a gambleadmits the assistant. But it's a necessary gamble: without affordable housing and a year-round cultural offer, a mountain town empties out as soon as the season is over.