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These big projects that are finally set to complete in 2026 in Lille and its metropolitan area

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The Editor

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After years of fences, scaffolding, and detours, 2026 is going to be the year when several iconic urban projects in Lille make their grand entrance, or almost. Redesigned squares, modern swimming pools, calmer streets, green spaces… Let's take a tour of what’s about to (finally) rise from the ground.

Lille is slowly but surely transforming! Long criticized for its endless construction projects, the European metropolis of Lille (MEL) is entering a phase of concrete deliveries this year. After months of work, a true change of scenery is on the horizon on several fronts.

The Place du Maréchal Leclerc is reborn in spring

One of the most visible projects of the year is coming to an end: the redesign of the Place du Maréchal Leclerc in the Vauban-Esquermes neighborhood. After more than a season of work, the space is making way for a new green public park, designed to combat heat islands, promote active mobility, and provide a real place for relaxation in the heart of the city.

Camille Muffat Swimming Pool: finally ready to swim big

This has been a long-standing wish of the metropolis: a swimming pool worthy of the name. The project for the Camille Muffat pool is...Muffat, Boulevard de Strasbourg, will also be completed this spring. The infrastructure will feature an Olympic pool measuring 50 m × 25 m with several swimming lanes, seating areas, comfortable changing rooms, and a large capacity to welcome swimmers of all levels. 

Place Madeleine Caulier: From Asphalt to Green

In the Fives neighborhood, the former Place Madeleine Caulier is getting a makeover. After a year of construction, the area will be transformed into a friendly space with . It's a real breath of fresh air for the neighborhood, where asphalt gives way to nature. 

Redesigned Streets and Soothing Neighborhoods

Some streets that have long been busy thoroughfares under construction will be transformed into more enjoyable spaces for everyone: Rue d’Inkermann (city center): the development work that has defined 2025 will come to an end in January, marking an important step in the transformation of the area.

, the Wazemmes street: this thoroughfare will become greener and safer with a bi-directional bike lane, green spaces, and calmer traffic, creating a more pleasant living center. And finally, the Ghesquière square (Wazemmes): set to open in June, this large relaxation and play area will offer residents a revitalized and accessible square, right by the metro. 

Philippe Lebon and Jeanne d’Arc Squares: nature reclaims its rights

In the center, Lebon and Jeanne d’Arc squares are finishing their landscape transformation. The goal? More greenery and gentle modes of transportation to make these urban areas quieter and more enjoyable. 

Pedestrianized Grand’Place: a symbol of a changing city

A symbolic project that started on January 12, 2026: the expanded pedestrianization of Grand’Place. The result of a widely supported consultation process. 

The residents feel that this historic transformation of the city center marks a true break from the era when car traffic dominated.

Mobility: Metro and Tramway Enter a New Era

On the mobility front, 2026 will be the year when the new 52-meter metro trains arrive, increasing the capacity of line 1 and improving regularity. This modernization project, which occupied a large part of last year, is nearing its final phase and will be visibly implemented in the network this year. In short, after years of work punctuated by interruptions, 2026 looks like the year of completion. Lille won't change with a magic wand, but the formwork and barriers will gradually disappear to make way for a city that is greener, more accessible, calmer, and more pleasant to live in.