Across eight hectares north of Avenue Henri-Barbusse and Cours Émile-Zola, the urban development project, led by the Metropolis of Lyon and the City of Villeurbanne with developer Serl, has been underway since 2019. The overall goal is to transform this area into a new city center for the metropolis's second-largest municipality.
By 2031, the project plans for the construction of 915 housing units, the opening of approximately 40 new shops, the establishment of offices, and the development of 2.7 hectares of public spaces. These developments are intended to address the city's demographic growth.
Lot B, named Vues Ciel and managed by Quartus, will be the first to be delivered in June 2027. Located at the corner of Avenue Francis-de-Pressensé and Rue Françoise-Héritier, it will feature 226 mixed-use housing units, commercial spaces, and two municipal facilities: a cinema and a youth center. The Monoprix store will also relocate here soon. The 15-story Signal Tower, recognizable by its octagonal shape, stands on this lot.
Lot A, named Égérie and developed by Cogedim, is entering a decisive phase. While construction began in January 2026, the foundation stone was laid on October 16th. This lot will include 206 housing units and commercial spaces, with delivery expected in mid-2028. The 4,000 square meters of office space will be completed a year later. The Ariana hotel will also be renovated as part of a private project.
Lot C, named Utôpia and managed by housing provider Rhône Saône Habitat, commenced construction in October 2025. By the end of 2028, it will house 236 mixed-use housing units, a municipal daycare center, and shops along the T6 tramway line.
Finally, the last lot, developed by Les nouveaux constructeurs, plans to build approximately 116 housing units by the end of 2030. These four lots will be complemented by the public space development managed by Serl, adding to areas already delivered such as the Passage Rey and the forecourt of the Gilberte-et-Pierre-Brossolette high school.
Several public facilities have already been delivered in recent years, including the Rosa-Parks school complex, the Alexandra-David-Néel sports complex, the high school, and initial housing units west of the ZAC.
In figures, the project encompasses 40 new shops, 915 housing units (60% of which are affordable and subsidized), and includes the planting of 300 trees.
