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A wart for some.
A treasure for others.
On Place André Corbille in the town center of Bouvron, halfway between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, the Datin block is living its last days.
This neoclassical building of 800m2, which has become the building of discord, must be destroyed from March.
Abandoned since 2012, the town hall, which bought it ten years ago, plans in particular to build social housing there and to bring in the mini-market now located a few meters further.
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For Bouvron Patrimoine, association for safeguarding and promoting the heritage of this town of 3100 inhabitants, demolishing this monument which houses certain medieval remains of the secretary of the Duke of Brittany is not trivial.
This means imposing on the people of Bouvron the "
destruction of 600 years of their common history
".
She intends to be heard during a demonstration organized this Saturday afternoon at 2.30 p.m., in front of the building concerned, in conjunction with other local, regional and national associations.
At least 6 structures are joining this mobilization, while the host and heritage defender Stéphane Bern also encourages them in their fight.
If it is impossible to know how many people are expected, the subject makes people talk in the town.
All the inhabitants are eager for the monument to be refurbished.
Between the decrepit walls, the moss that accumulates on the period stones and the cobwebs behind the tiles, it's time for a makeover.
"
Whether we break it down or renovate it, something has to be done with it!"
“Launches this 20-year-old native Bouvronnais.
“
Renovating is better, but it's expensive
,” says one of his friends.
"
Can't wait for it to be shaved, it's time to do something about it
", shares Christelle, while a resident, while sipping his drink, wonders: "
it would be a shame.
The roof has
The islet was purchased in 2012 by the town hall.
Since then, there is nothing in it.
A long time ago, it housed a delicatessen, a bar, a doctor... LT/Le Figaro
Demolish or renovate?
This patrimonial dispute actually illustrates two irreconcilable visions of a relationship to the past.
On the one hand, Vincent Guiné, 25, born in Bouvron and president of the young association at the origin of the opposition: "We
defend the study of a rehabilitation of the whole to have harmony with the architecture of the square
,” he explains.
He particularly marvels at the tufa stones.
The landscape designer does not hesitate to cite the example of neighboring renovated residences, whether it is the Guihot hotel, superbly transformed into social housing, or the restaurant located opposite the islet.
“
Let's take advantage of what's already there.
Vincent Guiné, co-founder of the Bouvron Patrimoine association, in front of the block that will be destroyed.
LT/Le Figaro
Emmanuel Van Brackel, mayor, in front of the medieval building located inside the Datin islet.
LT/Le Figaro
Opposite, the young mayor Emmanuel Van Brackel, without a label, takes a manager's look at the situation.
From the dilapidated medieval bedroom which, according to numerous indications but "
no certainty
", shelters the fireplace on which rests the coat of arms of Pierre Raboceau, secretary of François II, he calls himself "
responsible for public funds
" and defender of "
the interest collective
”.
He assures that he does not want to "
demolish to demolish
“: a few meters away, as part of the restructuring of Place André Corbille, certain blocks will be rehabilitated, he justifies himself.
He also advances the need for housing for the municipality while the law limits the artificialization of the soil, that is to say the construction on new spaces.
Regarding the financial aspect, he mentions a catering budget "
very substantial for the municipality
".
From an operational point of view, a study started in 2016 reveals "
technical difficulties
".
According to
La Tribune de l'art
, this work was carried out by SERBA, a Nantes design office "
specializing in concrete structures
", not specializing in the rehabilitation of old buildings.
Vincent Guiné, for his part, indicates that no comparative study defining the cost of a restoration has been carried out.
He is also offended by the cost of demolition: €230,000, not to mention the construction rates in an inflationary context.
His opponent replies that half of this price includes asbestos removal and cleaning, also essential in the event of rehabilitation.
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The list of arguments opposing them is long and even involves ecology.
For the city councilor, it is necessary to take into account
"the ecological impact of the rehabilitation of an old building, which does not respect the standards in terms of energy consumption and ultimately produces more CO2 than a new construction
".
The defendant indicates that “
the carbon emission of the construction of a collective building comparable to [this] project represents, over 50 years, approximately 1500 kg of CO²/m² whereas, in the case of a rehabilitation, it is limited only 800 kg of CO²/m
”.
Be that as it may, the mayor assumes his refusal to keep a medieval space of around twenty square meters “
to open it two days a year, during heritage days.
That would mean putting in a lift and investing €100,000
”.
On the other hand, he assures that the reconstruction will be mindful of the 19th century spirit of the district.
For the moment, no promoter to carry out the construction has been appointed: he will be selected during the year.
The mayor assures that the 15th century fireplace will be preserved and displayed further.
Words that do not reassure his opponents.