On this former military wasteland, reign mobile homes and even an old bus, used alternately as play areas for children, pop-up shop or discotheque. A little further on, a 10,000 square meter building houses the Halle Tropisme, a hybrid space, a place to live, work and perform at the same time. In Montpellier, the disused site of the Infantry Application School (EAI) is coming back to life. In the heart of the city, on 48 hectares, a district with a strong cultural connotation has been springing up since 2019 where cinemas, studios and campuses dedicated to artistic professions will rub shoulders.
Managed by the Illusion & Macadam cooperative, the Halle Tropisme has moved into the mechanical workshops of the EAI. The two bridges that received army heavy goods vehicles have been transformed into concert and dance stages. The choreographer Mathilde Monnier, in residence with her company, regularly invites other dancers to come up with original creations. The old carpentry has been transformed into a multipurpose room for exhibitions, private parties or professional meetings. And the little ones are not forgotten. From the age of 4, they are encouraged to take part in workshops to familiarize themselves with contemporary art. So much for the leisure component.
Birth of a “district-village”
The place also houses 200 offices dedicated to professionals in the audiovisual, publishing, graphic design, architecture, training… And since December 2021, the Workshops housed in the former barracks of the military site host creative people (painting, ceramics, costume, digital, sound).
“When we bought Netia from Orange, we tried to find an ecosystem. Montpellier was embarking on the cultural and creative industry, remembers Bruno Tézenas du Montcel, the CEO of the radio software publisher. At La Halle, we feel closer to our customers. This changes the approach of employees. And as a manager, I attract talents who want to stay in town.”
Beyond the Halle Tropisme, a “village” is being born. In this neighborhood where everyone can come to garden or learn to cook, a true spirit of solidarity has developed. In the fall, the garage sales welcome the inhabitants of the surroundings. An Emmaüs shop opens its doors to the rhythm of events. The association Recycle et Vous repairs the bikes twice a month. And the maintenance workshop, hosted by Soros, helps get electronics back up and running. Or how a third place revives a forgotten site.