“Squats, traffic and prostitution.” Do these words paint a picture of a postcard destination? Not quite. But they are part of the Avenue Corot’s story.
Today we find ourselves on Avenue Corot in Marseille. This avenue’s tale is one of contrasts. It is a story of initial hope that gradually descended into despair.
Let’s journey back to the early 1960s. The Avenue Corot was a symbol of modern living. The construction of its buildings finished in 1964. This coincided with the arrival of numerous people repatriated from Algeria. It was a time of social diversity. Marcel Ferreres, a former resident, recalls a harmonious community. There was an épicerie a grocery store. A Vietnamese vegetable vendor was present too. A hair salon also served the residents. Catholics and Muslims lived side by side. Racism was notably absent.
However, the Avenue Corot’s fortunes shifted. The 1970s brought the first signs of decline. Elevators broke down. Garbage bins were set ablaze. Owners gave way to more renters as buildings deteriorated. Building B became uninhabitable. In 1980, authorities declared it unsanitary. It was eventually demolished after years of waiting.
The situation worsened. Squats became common in 2015. Illegal activities took root. Jacques Chanard, a long-time owner, laments the growing insecurity. Despite urban renewal plans, the Avenue Corot continued to suffer. Reports highlighted management failures and the area’s decline.
In 2016, a “safeguard plan” emerged. It aimed to acquire and renovate housing. The budget was set at 18 million euros. Alexandra Louis, a deputy, warned the government about the Avenue Corot’s dire state. She described it as a concentration of economic, social and security problems.
Since 2018, efforts have been made to revitalize the Avenue Corot. The Metropolis Aix-Marseille-Provence entrusted CDC Habitat with an improvement project. The plan included renovations and demolitions. Some buildings would be torn down. Residents would be relocated. New spaces would arise from the demolition.
Buildings A and C became priorities. Demolition was planned. However, this depended on the ability to expropriate these buildings. A judge had to declare the co-ownership as deficient. This would allow expropriation.
CDC Habitat assures that acquisitions are amicable. They negotiate directly with owners. They also use pre-emption rights. However, some owners feel short-changed. They believe the offered prices do not reflect the true value of their properties.
As of now, the situation remains complex. Squatting is a persistent issue. Some owners are frustrated with the lack of action. They want an end to judicial administration. They prefer a syndic managed under their supervision.
The Avenue Corot struggles with a significant debt. AJA, the judicial administrator, faces challenges in managing the co-ownership. They struggle with difficult communication with owners. Many owners are unable to manage co-ownership responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, efforts continue. Emergency work is underway. It is financed by Anah and the metropolis. The evacuation and securing of Building A was a significant step.
The future of the Avenue Corot remains uncertain. Will it remain a private co-ownership? Or will it require more drastic intervention? The answer is yet to be seen.
So, as we stand here on Avenue Corot, we see more than just buildings. We see a complex story. It is a story of hope, decline and ongoing efforts toward renewal. It is a reminder of the challenges faced by some communities in Marseille.