In Charbonnières-les-Bains, just a few kilometres from Lyon, the former Rhône-Alpes regional office is now preparing to become the “next European Silicon Valley”, as Laurent Wauquiez, Chair of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council, put it when the project was officially presented on 12 November. The design-build public contract for this extraordinary project was won by a consortium led by Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est.

Helping the Regional Economy Pivot to Digital

Well-aware of the challenges of the digital transformation, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region decided to create this campus to establish an ecosystem for the players in the digital sector: schools, companies and industry organisations. It also aims to provide hands-on support to local businesses as they navigate their digital transitions. On the agenda: initial and continuing education offerings, as well as a range of services to help companies with their digital transitions and growth. “My idea was to transform the former Regional Council building […] into the premier European campus for digital careers, offering innovative educational training options […]. » Laurent Wauquiez, Chair of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council

A Project Developed in Record Time

As the authorised representative of the consortium chosen by the Regional Council to bring this project to life, Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est worked closely with architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and a multidisciplinary team to deliver a stand-out concept for the campus, designed to be a connected living space. Three buildings totalling 10,000 sq. m of floor space will be renovated and joined at the centre by a spacious plaza, a symbolic space that grew out the consortium members’ shared desire to create a “showcase building” complete with a patio and rooftop. The client expects the work to be completed in time to welcome users at the start of the 2020 school year, so the entire project must be completed in just 12 months, starting June 2019. A formidable challenge for our teams! « We will need to bring all our experience and expertise to bear on this project impacting a young and enthusiastic community as well as future generations » Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Urban Architect and Designer

A Green Setting for the Digital Campus

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region also aspires to make this campus a green belt that improves the well-being of its users. Over four hectares are being set aside to be used as green spaces and 400 trees native to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region will be planted as a tribute to the region’s natural heritage. Each one different from the next, these green spaces will provide a place for dialogue and add to the beauty of the campus.

First Users Expected for the Start of the 2020 School Year

In the fall of 2020 the Charbonnières-les-Bains campus will welcome its first users. In the meantime, a temporary site has been created in Lyon’s Confluence neighbourhood. This site now hosts 16 innovative training courses, 4 major digital players and over 500 students, and is already helping to promote and share expertise in digital careers.