Transformation of the historic docks in Toulouse

The development of the Ville Rose’s heritage continues at top speed with the ultimate goal of obtaining UNESCO recognition. This worksite involving dikes, which began eight months ago and will be completed in July 2019, is somewhat unusual. Its specifications are very strict, involving craftsmen and special materials, because the work involves consolidating Saget brick dikes dating from the late eighteenth century.

The project involves a total of 30 km of structures, which will be completed with the development of Ramier island in 2020

Guillaume Cantagrel, Director of the Grand Parc Garonne project in Toulouse Métropole

On site, the craftsmen are currently working to restore the dike walls brick by brick, including re-pointing.

The ecology and fauna are being respected by the project owners. Matthieu Geng, Biotope Midi-Pyrénées, is responsible for ensuring that the Pale swifts (Apus pallidus), a single colony of which invades the façade of the Hôtel-Dieu hospital every year, finds the caches they occupy on the historical docks. These cavities, which are being constructed, measure 10 cm high to prevent pigeons from nesting there. “We wanted to inventory this ecological and natural heritage before the work began”, explained Matthew Geng.

The site was visited on 21 June of last year by local elected officials to note the progress, but visitors will have to wait until July 2019 to take a stroll there.

The works will halt on 14 July and opened to the public for the traditional fireworks on the Garonne river.

Read the original article: https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2018/06/22/2823001-la-transformation-des-quais-historiques-de-la-ville-rose.html