After more than a year of being closed, the former Intersport store is finally going to come alive again in Villeurbanne. Since June 2025, the space located at 4 avenue Henri-Barbusse, right in the heart of the Gratte-Ciel area of Villeurbanne, has been waiting for its new tenant. And it will be... another sports brand! It’s now official: a Decathlon City will be taking over part of the old premises. The contract is signed, and the opening is planned for the summer of 2026, aiming for late June, assuming the construction keeps up with the schedule. This is a strategic arrival, pushed by the Société Villeurbannaise d’Urbanisme (SVU), the property owner, who wanted to maintain a sports offering at this key location.
A redesigned store that’s more compact and more responsible
Gone is the large old format; welcome to a new-generation urban concept. Unlike Intersport, which occupied three levels, Decathlon is embracing a more efficient footprint.will cover just over two-thirds of the area, which is about 700 m² spread across the ground floor and basement. The space will first be fully renovated for energy efficiency, with a connection to geothermal energy, as part of the extensive project for the redevelopment of the Gratte-Ciel foothills. The goal: to reduce the carbon footprint while modernizing the infrastructure.
This new store fits into a clear strategy: conquer city centers. For several years, Decathlon has been developing its City formats, which are smaller, more agile, and designed for urban use. There's already one in Lyon, near the Cordeliers, and the one in Villeurbanne will strengthen this network. Here, you won’t find a huge kayak aisle or an oversized camping tent, but rather a targeted selection: running, fitness, gentle mobility, urban sports, and practical services. A concept designed for residents, students, and professionals in the area who want to equip themselves quickly and efficiently, without trekking across the entire metropolis.
A project aligned withwith the evolution of the Skyscrapers
This installation is part of a broader transformation of the neighborhood. In the long run, the commercial area of the Skyscrapers is expected to almost double, enhancing its attractiveness and its role as a central hub in the eastern part of Lyon. While other brands showed interest, SVU chose to prioritize businesses that directly meet the daily needs of the residents. Sports, leisure, wellness: this combo checks all the boxes.