France: Discussion about EuropaCity Project for Paris Continues

It is not easy for the planners behind the multi-billion Euro „EuropaCity“ mixed-use project, which is planned to be built just outside of Paris. After only a few weeks ago the completion date originally scheduled for 2024 was postponed by three years due to delays in the construction of the “Grand Paris Express“ rail network (of which one metro line will pass by the future complex) in the Île-de-France region, the project is now being hampered on a legal level. Yesterday, the administrative court of Cergy-Pontoise has annulled the decision of the Val-d’Oise prefecture taken on 21 September 2016 for the creation of a development zone in the so-called “Triangle de Gonesse“, where the mixed-use project initiated by Immochan and co-financed by Chinese Wanda Group is planned to be created.

The court considers that “the environmental impact assessment submitted as part of a public enquiry had been insufficient in several respects.“ Moreover, the court underlines “the importance of the potential environmental impact of the project, especially with regards to the removal of 280 hectares of agricultural land.“ Furthermore, the court states that “the enquiry was insufficient regarding the impact of the project on air quality, especially with regards to CO2 emissions caused by tourist movements linked to the emergence of EuropaCity.“

In an official press release, the project managers affirm that the judgement will by no means have any influence on the stakeholders‘ willingness to realise the project, which is expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs. Read all background details about this ambitious project in our latest magazine issue of EAP, 2/2018. (eap)