“Squatted and abandoned for years.” That’s how Place Cazemajou was once described. But now, things are changing.
Place Cazemajou in Marseille is undergoing a major transformation. It sits between the Crottes and Arenc districts. For years this area was neglected. But now it is being revitalized through a project called CAZ07.
By 2028 Place Cazemajou will be a vibrant hub. Three new residential buildings with light facades will be constructed. These buildings will stand between Rue de Vintimille, Rue Josephine and Avenue Roger-Salengro. There will be 117 apartments including 30 social housing units. These will cover nearly 8000 square meters.
The architects at Polyptyque promise a Mediterranean inspiration. They aim to connect it to Marseille’s architectural history. These buildings will also be adapted to future climate changes. A garden and shops are planned. They will bring life back to the Crottes area. This project is intended to bridge the gap between the new city near Arenc, the 19th-century industrial buildings and the future Aygalades park.
The goal is to attract first-time property owners. These are people who want to live or invest in the area. The project also aims to attract working-class and middle-class residents who work nearby. Place Cazemajou is near the Bougainville metro station. It will also be served by the tram line 3 extension scheduled for 2025.
A new Jesuit Loyola school is also opening. Other real estate projects called CAZ03 and CAZ04 will expand the neighborhood around Place Cazemajou. The transformation of Place Cazemajou is part of the larger Euroméditerranée II project. This project aims to modernize and improve the area.
The area around Place Cazemajou is set to change dramatically. Two plots CAZ 03 and CAZ 04 will each have 110 to 120 housing units. Construction started in early 2023. The buildings are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. BNP Paribas Immobilier and Nexity-Logis Méditerranée are developing these projects.
These projects will create approximately 240 homes. About 30% will be social housing. The developers are committed to environmental standards. They aim to achieve the BDM environmental label. All apartments will have generous space and outdoor areas.
On the ground floor shops and social economy activities will be set up. Synergie Family a startup focused on educational innovation is leading this effort. Another unique feature of Place Cazemajou is the creation of about 30 townhouses. These are designed to attract young families with slightly higher incomes.
An impressive digital campus is also planned. It will be built by La Plateforme. This inclusive training center will focus on digital professions. The total investment is 55 million euros. The 25000 square meter complex will accommodate 3000 students. It will include student residences innovative project incubators cultural facilities and business spaces.
The school section is scheduled to open in 2022. The remaining parts are expected to be completed in phases until 2026. Cyril Zimmerman aims to make it the leading inclusive digital school in France. A private Jesuit school is also planned nearby.
Despite economic uncertainties the tertiary market in Aix-Marseille has progressed. Marseille has regained its role as a driver with a 42% increase in transactions compared to 2023. However the shortage of new supply threatens to slow down activity.
The Phocéa an 8700 square meter building on Place Cazemajou was acquired by the Bouches-du-Rhône departmental council. They will relocate their services for disabled and elderly people there by the end of 2025.
Place Cazemajou is a symbol of urban renewal in Marseille. The area once left behind is now becoming a modern and vibrant community. It combines residential commercial and educational spaces. These changes promise a brighter future for the Crottes district and its residents.