A joyful transformation in Tourcoing

This is the story of a railway infrastructure that has been transformed, thanks to the sensitive intervention of the Paris based ‘Atelier WOA’, into a mixed-use space where several programmes coexist happily. It is not only about transformation, but at the same time also deals with heritage preservation, compliance with standards and densification. All the ingredients are present for an unprecedented project.

The programme in Tourcoing, a city in northern France to the northeast of Lille, and situated right on the border with Belgium, is substantial. It includes offices, a hotel residence, a panoramic restaurant, as well as several shops and car parks.
All this was realised in the setting of a former railway freight hall. Nevertheless, the site is extraordinary. Its industrial past interacts with the current design of its spaces to form a hybrid place that contributes to the regeneration of this part of the city. It should be noted, however, that in the 19th century, Tourcoing experienced tremendous growth in the textile industry. From carpet manufacturing to upholstery fabrics, stockings, hats and clothing, everything has left its mark on the city's architecture with a typical architectural vocabulary reinforced by the presence of brick. This material contrasts with the glazing, white joinery and industrial elements such as steel beams, sheds and chimneys. Today, the neighbourhood that saw the birth of the city's first railway station still boasts several high-quality heritage buildings. Adjacent to the large metal hall housing the platforms is the SERNAM (Service National des Messageries, the National Messenger Service) hall, where parcel and luggage transport was organised. Unfortunately, the site, with its undeniable potential, had been abandoned since 2012 and was in need of a complete transformation. When the northern city undertook the redevelopment of the station district with the aim of revitalising it, the renovation of heritage buildings was a priority.

In 2018, the City of Tourcoing purchased the SERNAM hall before selling it in 2019 to developer Aventim, winner of the ‘Appel à Manifestation d’Intérêt’ or ‘Call for Expressions of Interest’, launched by the city.
By implementing programmes that combine several functions, the aim is to breathe new life into this neglected site. Commissioned to carry out the project, the architects at WOA opted to reuse the bricks in situ and preserve the facade near the station. This was a way of ensuring the historical continuity of the site while revealing its soul. It was decided to create two volumetric entities, opting for a mixed wood and concrete construction system. This was a pragmatic response to a complex programme with diverse qualities.

After conducting meticulous research and in response to the programme's requirements, the architects realised that it would not be possible to maintain the hall, which was too narrow for such a programme. As a result, it was decided to retain only the north facade of the building, which the architects restored with great care. The rest of the historic building was demolished by structural engineering company Donnini. This was followed by a phase of dismantling, sorting and cleaning with a view to recycling and reuse. Thus, in keeping with the existing structure, the historic facade was extended identically, within the boundaries of the plot and over a length of 120 metres. The bricks, collected during the demolition, were used as cladding on the concrete structure of the ground floor of the extension. Thanks to the work of locksmith Bavetta, the marquee was extended identically, marking a certain continuity with the existing structure. Furthermore, the neighbourhood is listed as a heritage site, so working in tandem with the ‘Architecte des Bâtiments de France’ (Architect of the Buildings of France) was fruitful. This can be seen, among other things, in the colour of the bricks and joints, as well as the details of the marquee's restoration. The continuity of the facade is characterised by a slight difference in colour, which the architects deliberately chose to clearly indicate the difference between the old building and its extension, which uses reclaimed bricks. According to the architects, the aim was not to produce an imitation but to create a style that celebrates the old while having its own identity. It should be noted that the new facade shelters the commercial spaces as well as the entrance halls of the hotel and offices.

The hotel's facade and mouldings are reminiscent of the various buildings in the historic city. The tertiary volume is characterised by its wooden facade, while the restaurant above it is made of timber from a wooden structure. The south-facing facade stands out because of its few openings. Punctuated by a multitude of loggias, it protects its users from overheating in summer. The project was completed in just 18 months, which was a challenge. This can be explained by the separation of the main programmes into two juxtaposed but autonomous construction sites. The well-being of users is prioritised, with convivial spaces punctuating the project. Similarly, the hotel's privileged location and the view it offers play an important role in its popularity. The complex received the 2024 ‘Pyramide d’argent’ (Silver Pyramid) award for ‘urban diversity’, a prize awarded by the ‘Fédération des Promoteurs Immobiliers’, the Federation of Real Estate Developers. This is a joyful transformation skilfully carried out by Atelier WOA.

All photos © Salem Mostefaoui