The Grand'Place of Lille, soon to be car-free every day?
If you're one of those Lillois with a strong opinion about the terraces, cobblestones, or removable bollards, this news is for you: the City of Lille is considering permanently pedestrianizing the Grand'Place all week, and not just on Saturdays like it is now. To discuss this, they are launching a large consultation open to all users starting from Friday, June 27.
You have until September 26 to share your thoughts via an online questionnaire available at participez.lille.fr. And it's open to everyone: leisurely strollers, concerned shopkeepers, or just grumpy pedestrians, now's your chance to click and have your say.
Two scenarios on the table, it's your turn to choose your side
Scenario 1: “Light” pedestrianization
Keep the cars around, but the Grand’Place itself... myself becomes a pedestrian continuously, between Faidherbe Street, National Street, and Esquermoise Street. The parking would remain accessible as it is today, from National Street.
.
Scenario 2: a more ambitious version
We're taking it a step further: in addition to the Grand’Place, we're pedestrianizing part of Rue Pierre Mauroy, the beginning of Rue Esquermoise, and Rue du Curé Saint-Étienne. It's wider, calmer, but also a bit more controversial.
No matter the scenario, the City promises that access to the Grand’Place parking will be maintained. Phew for those who usually face the mission of “finding a spot on a Saturday afternoon.”
A giant consultation open to all
The city is counting on a participatory approach: residents, shopkeepers, regular or occasional users, everyone is invited to share their opinions. Urban walks will be organized to see firsthand the concrete implications of the two options (the first one will take place on July 7th in the evening), and meeting points will be regularly set up in the Grand’Place to gather live feedback.
Shopkeepers will even have a dedicated preliminary meeting on the morning of June 27th to express their concerns or ideas. It’s a way to fully involve them in the process, as they also experience the square on a daily basis.
And you, what do you want for the Grand'Place?
More pedestrian zones for a peaceful stroll, or a city center accessible by car right to the historical heart? This debate is one we’ve all had, whether over drinks or in conversations...
Instagram or Facebook stories.But here, you can really take action.
From June 27 to September 26
Share your thoughts here
First urban walk: Monday, July 7, end of the day, starting from Grand’Place
