An article by Vokya D, added on 13 August 2024 4 min. reading
Long threatened by noise pollution from Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport and the gradual abandonment of its inhabitants, the Vieux-Pays de Goussainville is today experiencing new life thanks to an ambitious revitalization project. A historic turning point for this village whose unique heritage is arousing renewed interest.
A visionary project for the revitalization of the Old Country 🔎
In response to the 13th edition of Europan competition on the theme of the adaptable city, a collective was selected by the agglomeration Roissy-Pays-de-France et Goussainville (Val-d’Oise). This group of winners' mission is to carry out an urban feasibility study to revitalize the Old Country, a project that could finally bring this abandoned village back to life.
Genesis of the Project in 2018
The first phase of the study, initiated in 2018, began with an in-depth diagnosis, enriched by contributions from local residents. Of the commented routes, cartographic workshops and public restitutions were organized to encourage citizen participation. This inclusive approach helped identify the needs and aspirations of residents, laying the foundations for successful revitalization.
Financial support of 25 million euros 💸
The following phase, focused on economic programming, involved a diversity of actors: individual, collective, institutional project leaders, and initiatives from the social and solidarity economy (ESS). One of the flagship projects, which aims to reopen the Croult, a small river connecting Val-d'Oise and Seine-Saint-Denis, to make one support for biodiversity and a network of public spaces, was rewarded during the national competition “French Capitals for Biodiversity”
The total cost of revitalizing the village of Vieux-Pays amounts to 25 million, supported by the state green fund. Since the first consultations with residents in 2021, the project has evolved considerably, leading to the presentation of the rehabilitation plan in 2022. Among the first achievements, the installation of led lights and creation of a play area at Square Ernest-Harmand modernized the neighborhood. Access to the Sévigné school has also been secured, reinforcing the attractiveness of the area for families.
Innovative initiatives for a dynamic neighborhood 🌳
The leisure park AbracadaPark, inaugurated in June, is one of the symbols of this new dynamic. Currently, a study is underway to rehabilitate an old building, and the revitalization of the neighborhood continues with the support of private partners. The long-term objective is to transform this neighborhood in a lively and attractive place, both for locals and visitors. The project, led by the mayor (SE) of Goussainville, Abdelaziz Hamida, since 2020, aims to give back to Old Country a tourist and leisure attraction, as well as a vitality long forgotten by previous administrations.
The plane noise challenge 🧏♂️✈️
Despite the progress, the noise of takeoffs and landings of Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport remains a problem without solution to date. Located in a air corridor, the Old Country is faced with noise pollution which makes some houses uninhabitable. However, some remaining residents are used to it and do not complain about the noises, recognizing that it is part of the rules of the game.
In 1970s, part of the district had been bought by Paris airportthen resold in Goussainville for a symbolic euro. This heritage, made up of 80 buildings, is at the heart of the rehabilitation project. The objective is to breathe new life into these unoccupied houses by developing attractive activities, while preserving Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul church, classified as a historic monument, which allowed the Old Country district to escape demolition.
Discover the Old Village of Goussainville through a video
For those who wish to know more about this village with a special destiny, a report realized by The candy in collaboration with theGrand Roissy Tourist Office is available. Guided by Sophie, this visit immerses us in the history and anecdotes of Goussainville. A video to discover on Instagram, through this reel, offering a unique look at the rebirth of this emblematic place.
