Mangalkhan: The CIEL Group launches Nouvelle Usine, a revitalised hub promoting circular economy principles, job creation, and community engagement, while preserving the legacy of the former Floréal Knitwear factory to foster social inclusion and ecological responsibility.
The transformation of the former Floréal Knitwear factory in Mangalkhan, now known as Nouvelle Usine, represents a significant initiative by the CIEL Group towards sustainable development and the preservation of industrial heritage. This extensive renovation project, which commenced in 2022, aims to foster an environment centred around circular economy principles, social inclusion, and community revitalisation.
Executed by Evolis Properties, a subsidiary of the CIEL Group, the Nouvelle Usine project serves as a central hub for businesses, artisans, innovators, and residents. Since its launch, it has successfully created 1,100 jobs and attracted 51 companies, offering an array of essential services. These services include a modern fitness centre with diverse classes, recreational spaces with educational support for children, a secure play area, health services comprising paramedical care and a pharmacy, as well as various dining options and a hair salon.
Divya Servansing, the Sustainability Manager at the CIEL Group, articulated the goals of the project, stating, “With Nouvelle Usine, we demonstrate that it is possible to combine heritage preservation and sustainable development. By involving local stakeholders and reusing materials, we are advancing our goal of reducing environmental footprint while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for the community.”
The project incorporates sustainable design principles, preserving the identity of the original building while introducing modernised features. To minimise environmental impact, partners such as La Déchetèque, The Good Shop, and Jugaad architecture firm have implemented strategies for upcycling and reusing materials. This approach has not only aimed at reducing carbon footprints but also promoting local circular economies.
Olivier Laure, General Manager of Evolis Properties, commented on the project’s philosophy: “Regenerating a place means giving it meaning by creating opportunities and valuing existing resources with a positive impact on the community. Every step of the project has been designed to embed this dynamic and turn this site into a living laboratory, proving that such a project is not only feasible but also a source of long-term value.”
Numerous restoration and upcycling initiatives have breathed new life into components of the factory’s industrial past. For instance, former weaving tables have been transformed into decorative elements for the restaurant, while old furniture has been restored and modernised for common areas. This theme of creative reuse extends throughout the site, with former filing cabinets repurposed as planter boxes, contributing to the greenery of the surroundings.
Additionally, the optimisation of natural ventilation has led to a 20% reduction in energy consumption, further solidifying Nouvelle Usine’s commitment to eco-responsibility. Each corner of the site bears witness to a narrative of preservation and creativity, embodying the ambition to merge heritage with modernity.
On a social level, Nouvelle Usine exemplifies the CIEL Group’s commitment to inclusive and meaningful projects. The site’s renovation engaged a range of local talents and craftsmen, involving residents of Mangalkhan and neighbouring areas in the work, which amounted to 4,480 hours of local employment. The revitalisation of the site has rekindled connections for some individuals, with many recalling family members who previously worked at the factory.
In quantitative terms, the project has seen the removal of 293 tonnes of materials from the site, with 11% recycled or redistributed. Furthermore, 4.6 tonnes have been directly reintegrated into the renovation. Continuous waste recycling and sorting programmes initiated in 2022, in collaboration with Don’t Waste, have yielded substantial results, including the recycling of 62 tonnes of paper, 48 tonnes of general waste, 6.2 tonnes of plastic, and 1.5 tonnes of metal, leading to the reduction of approximately 145,945 cubic metres of carbon dioxide emissions — equivalent to the preservation of 1,193 trees.
Located 230 metres from the Floréal metro station, Nouvelle Usine offers adaptable spaces that cater to contemporary needs, including offices, coworking areas, meeting rooms, dining options, and wellness facilities. This revitalised site, steeped in history, now presents a modern and connected environment conducive to collaboration and innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
