The City of Paris has entrusted Louis Vuitton with project management for the redevelopment of Bassano and Galilée streets, near the Champs-Élysées. The LVMH group will finance the 2 million euros of work.
There City of Paris has decided to entrust Louis Vuitton with project management for the redevelopment of Bassano and Galilée streetsin the 8th arrondissement, the said streets adjoining the future trunk maker’s establishment. THE LVMH group will take charge of all the workvalued at 2 million euros.
An operation which is causing debate, with some elected officials denouncing a form of privatization of public space.
Wider sidewalks and more vegetation
The project aims in particular to make these streets more pleasant for pedestrians, the sidewalks having to be widened and new arches for bicycles as well as planted containers installed. A transformation that occurs while Louis Vuitton already occupies public space as part of the construction of its future establishment. For Thomas Chevandier, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of public space and works, the company will have to rehabilitate the spaces it occupied at the end of the project: “Louis Vuitton has a site right-of-way which extends very far onto these streets, therefore it has the obligation to restore the public space to its original condition following the work.“.
But the decision goes further since the City also entrusts him with the management of the work.
“And tomorrow?“
In the opposition as within the municipal majority, certain elected officials question the precedent created by this operation. “Given the state of municipal finances, seeing a private actor invest such a sum to beautify our roads is a breath of fresh air. But by entrusting the entire management of the work to the private sector, the City is withdrawing from its own domain.“, regretted Catherine Lécuyer, LR mayor of the 8th arrondissement
Same question from Séverine de Compreignac, from the Paris au center group, who asks a broader question: “today it is Bassano and Galilée streets, and tomorrow? What is the city’s doctrine regarding financing public space?“
Environmentalists also expressed their reservations. For Emile Meunier, LVMH will not only carry out the work but will directly participate in the design of the street and the transformation of public space around its future establishment “for its customers“.”You continue to open a dangerous door to the privatization of public space“, told the mayor the opposition elected official, co-president of the New Paris Popular group with Sophia Chikirou.
The City assumes a pragmatic choice
Judging the debate”ubiquitous“, Emmanuel Grégoire replied “fully assume“his approach.”In the somewhat demanding moment for public finances which weighs on everyone, each time I am given the opportunity to call on those who can to contribute because Paris contributes to their influence, I will take their money to finance in the neighborhoods where no one will do so.“, he pleaded. “If that allows us to raise two million more to finance a school street, I’m happy to have done it!“, added the socialist councilor.
Questioned by AFP, LVMH did not wish to comment.
