From brownfields to community, in Roubaix

By project IMPETUS

Published on 29 May 2024

France

Nord-Pas de Calais

Lille

About this good practice

The "Future Investment Programme (PIA - Programme d'Investissements d'Avenir) - Sustainable Cities and Regions" in Roubaix addresses urban decline, economic vulnerability, and underutilized brownfields. The initiative focuses on transforming neglected areas into sustainable, inclusive, and economically vibrant communities. The problem stems from extensive brownfields and degraded urban environments, which negatively impact the local economy and social cohesion.
The practice achieves its objectives through five key actions:
1. Eco6TM: a transitional urban management structure that activates brownfield sites and supports local governance;
2. E-logistics and e-commerce demonstrator: establishes a local remote stock system, supporting retailers and trial shops;
3. Local economy resilience (The Mail): introduces a local currency and self-help networks to stimulate economic activities;
4. Craftsmen’s reuse platform: promotes circular economy and job creation through material recovery and repurposing;
5. Urban agriculture and soil rehabilitation (Farm of Trichon): converts polluted wasteland into productive community-supported farms.
Stakeholders include the Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL), City of Roubaix, SPLA La Fabrique des Quartiers, ANRU - Agence Nationale pour la Rénovation Urbaine, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, local associations, social enterprises, and residents. Beneficiaries are primarily local communities, small businesses, and vulnerable populations.

Resources needed

The project requires €7.1 million, including €2.5 million PIA subsidy. Funding is sourced from ANRU, MEL, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, and private investments. It involves urban planners, engineers, community facilitators, local associations, and social enterprises for implementation.

Evidence of success

While the evaluation framework of the practice is ongoing, early indicators suggest positive impacts.
However, several measurable outcomes highlight its effectiveness:
- Derelict land activated and environmental rehabilitation: over 10 hectares have been reclaimed for community use, preparing sites for urban farming;
- Community participation and food security: hundreds of residents have engaged in co-designing solutions, besides the urban farm has attracted a growing number of subscribers.

Potential for learning or transfer

The revitalisation of brownfields is a central theme in many cities across Europe, and Roubaix provides a strong example of circular and adaptive urban planning.
One key transferable element is the combination of urban farming and soil rehabilitation, which provides ecological benefits and food security while fostering social cohesion. The agreements used for occupation and land use can serve as models for other cities, offering insights into regulatory frameworks and public policy facilitation
Roubaix’s multi-stakeholder governance model can inspire other European public authorities. The urban agriculture working group—involving scientists, elected representatives, and associations—ensures participatory decision-making.
The many legal and financial tools deployed are also a source of inspiration for other regions, as is Roubaix's circular economy approach and that adopted by the Farm of Trichon's partners.