This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through

the Interreg Alpine Space program

Project number: 639

Project acronym: trAILs

Project title: Alpine Industrial Landscapes Transformation

DELIVERABLE D.T2.2.1

Site visits and on-site surveys

November 21th – 22th 2019, L'Argentière-La Bessée

and La Roche de Rame

Work package: T2- Assess AILs: assessment procedure (pilot-based)

Activity: A.T2.2 Co-assessment of AILs actual conditions and socio-

economic context

Organization: University of Ljubljana + CAUE 84

Authors: Krošelj M., Pipan T., Kleitz T.

Deliverable date: 23.4.2020

Version: FINAL

Dissemination level: Project partners

Dissemination target: Project partners

Page | 2

CONTENT

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 3

2 GROUP SITE VISIT OF L'ARGENTIÈRE-LA BESSÉE AND LA ROCHE DE RAME ............................. 5

3 REFLECTION SESSION ........................................................................................................................ 15

3.1 WPT2 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE REFLECTION ........................................................................................................ 16

3.2 WPT3 WORKSHOP PREPARATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 21

3.3 WPT1 WEB-GIS DATABASE – MAPPING OF THE PROJECT RESULTS AND NATIONAL/REGIONAL BROWNFIELDS

23

4 APPENDIX............................................................................................................................................ 24

4.1 APPENDIX A – AGENDA & PROTOCOL ...................................................................................................................... 24

4.2 APPENDIX B – SYNTHESIS OF THE MAIN OUTPUTS FROM SHS DISCUSSION ......................................................... 26

4.3 APPENDIX C – PARTICIPANTS LIST ............................................................................................................................. 31

Page | 3

1 INTRODUCTION

Site visits are one of the crucial steps on acquiring not only information needed to successfully

conduct a research, but also to gain impressions and tacit knowledge on Alpine Industrial

Landscapes. Site visits are therefore an essential opportunity to examine, explain and deepen

our field of research of AILs in a formal and informal way. They are part of an activity of WP T2:

Co-assessment of AILs actual conditions and a deliverable D.T2.2.1. This deliverable will be

delivered in a set of four so-called mini reports, for each country’s’ pilot site. They will be done

jointly between a regional and corresponding research project partner.

Purpose of mini reports is to serve as a general summary, describing and depicting events of

the fieldwork on the first day and a record of agreements made at the Reflection Sessions on

the following day. Contents of the reports will present an important input for individual thematic

assessment reports: Assessment of AILs and Assessment of Methods (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Scheme of the WPT2 Assessment Framework and site visits within the assessment procedure.

Page | 4

MEETING / EVENT REPORT

Title of Event/Meeting: Site Visit L'Argentière-La Bessée and La Roche de Rame -

France: Fieldwork + Reflection Session

Date & Place:

November 21th – 22th 2019,

L'Argentière-La Bessée and La Roche de Rame

(France)

Partner/s Involved: All trAILs partners

Relation to Project: Site visit + meeting with stakeholders + reflection

Topics tackled and description

of links to deliverables/outputs

Activity T2.2.: Co-assessment of AILs actual conditions and

socio-economic context – T2.2.1 Site visit and on-site

survey in pilot region L'Argentière-La Bessée and La

Roche de Rame (France)

Expected effects and follow-

up, findings/conclusions that

will contribute to achieving

further project results

Site visits are essential to understand AILs as well as to

assess their characteristics through on-site surveys and

intensive fieldwork. They provide the basis for the co-

design of transformation scenarios.

Type of audience reached

(project target groups)

Numbers of reached target groups in the framework of

the event:

TARGET GROUP VALUE

LOCAL PUBLIC AUTHORITY 1

REGIONAL AUTHORITY 1

NATIONAL PUBLIC

AUTHORITY X

SECTORAL AGENCY 1

INFRASTRUCTURE AND

PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDER 1

HIGHER EDUCATION AND

RESEARCH 1

GENERAL PUBLIC 1

Annexes (photo, media

coverage web-links ect.,…)

Page | 5

2 GROUP SITE VISIT OF L'ARGENTIÈRE-LA BESSÉE AND LA

ROCHE DE RAME

The first day morning (22 November) was devoted to the visit of the two brownfield sites of the

French pilot region. The objective was to get to know these two sites in the company of local

stakeholders, in order to know their perception of these places.

8.50 am – 10.10 am : MGI BROWNFIELD AND LE PLANET ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ZONE

GUIDED VISIT IN LA ROCHE DE RAME MUNICIPALITY

For this guided visit, with transfer by bus, the trAILs team was accompanied by:

- Michel FRISON - La Roche de Rame municipality mayor

- Jean-Robert RICHARD - La Roche de Rame municipality 1st deputy

- Marie-Pierre BOCCHIARDO – l’Argentière-La Bessée municipality elected representative

- Stéphanie DAVIN – CCPE Economic Development and Services to the Public pole manager

A translator has ensured the exchanges between English and French speakers.

As a reminder, MGI brownfield site / Le Planet economic activity zone, includes :

- the MGI industrial brownfield (on approximately 2.9 ha),

- 3 companies operating on both sides of the brownfield, from north to south: a public

transport company (Durance Ecrins Autocars) which occupies approximately 0.5 h, a

plastics factory (Extrufex) which occupies approximately 2.3 ha, and an aggregate depot /

gravel pit (EFC TP / Briançon Béton) which occupies approximately 6 ha to the south of this

area,

- communal plots (about 6 ha) awaiting development, which host material storage activities

(scrap metal and wood),

- The former disused La Roche de Rame railway station (located on the Marseille/Briançon

line, in service).

Itinerary for visiting Le Planet site:

- Visit of the MGI brownfield : visits of the exteriors and interiors of 2 buildings,

- Passage on the adjoining communal plots to the south of the brownfield,

- Passage in front of the gravel pits, return by the path on the banks which gives access to it

from the RD94, on a dike along the Durance,

- There was not enough time to visit the Extruflex company site,

- Return to l'Argentière-la Bessée by the disused »la Roche de Rame« railway station.

General presentation, information and perceptions on the site of the MGI brownfield and

its surroundings.

(Presentation of the site made by Michel Frison, mayor of La Roche de Rame municipality

- Informations and details in addition to those furnished by the trAILs document " D.T1.3.2 Pilot

profil")

- The MGI brownfield site is part of "Le Planet" economic activity zone,

- The MGI site in total abandonment for about ten years,

Page | 6

- Brownfield site with soils heavily polluted by industrial activities that it has hosted for nearly

a century,

- Whole Planet economic activity zone and MGI brownfield is in a flood zone, currently

protected by a dike. The open-air storage of dangerous materials is not safe there in case

of heavy rain or flood risk (risk of pollution of the Durance River...).

- Relatively recent securing of the site (to prevent the main pollutants present on the surface

of the site from migrating into the outside environment); work carried out under the

supervision of ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency),

- Major soil decontamination work remains to be done before the site can be reused,

- Brownfield site comprising all of its former industrial buildings (distillation tower, furnace

buildings, suspended tanks, storage sheds, laboratories, administrative and service

premises, etc.) and its external circulation and storage facilities,

- The oldest buildings date back to the interwar period, the others were built between the

1950s and 1980s,

- Buildings of fairly modest bills and volumes. The largest of these buildings houses

horizontal industrial furnaces,

- Michel Frison says that these buildings are not of great heritage interest and are in poor

condition,

- The two buildings housing old furnaces were visited. A significant part of the old

production apparatus (industrial furnaces...) is still in place there,

- The oldest buildings (early 20th century) in this business park are those that house the

Extruflex company, which is located on the north side of the wasteland. The mayor

considers that one of them is of heritage interest,

- Extruflex is a local industrial company that has been in existence since 1997 and has many

production sites abroad. It is the world leader in its field (flexible plastic blades).

State of reflection on the future of the MGI brownfield site

(Information and points of view provided by the accompanying local stakeholders - Informations

and details in addition to those furnished by trAILs document " D.T1.3.2 Pilot profil")

- Strong mobilisation of La Roche de Rame municipality and the Pays des Écrins Community

of municipalities (CCPE) on the future of this site,

- Site perceived as a significant potential for economic redevelopment for the valley.

- Municipality and CCPE are planning to redevelop a new economic activity zone there,

- This development project would cover the MGI brownfield and the adjoining communal

land, i.e. a total of approximately 9 ha. Michel Frison stresses that this land base that can be

developed for economic activity is a very rare opportunity in the upper Durance Valley,

- The development is planned for the entire Planet economic activity zone, including

Extruflex, Durance Ecrins Autocars, Briançon Béton and former railway station sectors.

- There is currently a very strong demand for land from local craft businesses,

- For the moment there are no plans to specialize the activities on this site,

- The land does not appear to be large enough to accommodate a new industrial activity,

Page | 7

- The arguments for redeveloping this area as an economic activity zone are that the area is

historically dedicated to economic activity, is still home to industry (Extruflex) and is located

well away from residential areas and main views from the valley road axis. The mayor states

that the acceptability to the inhabitants of the installation of new activities in an already

industrialized site is generally good, provided that these facilities are compatible with the

environment,

- The municipality and the CCPE are not informed of any projects or possible needs for

extension/relocation of the Extruflex company on this site,

- The commune / CCPE idea is to evacuate all the old MGI installations and to leave on bare

(and cleared) ground to develop a new economic activity zone,

- The CCPE, which will be the carrier of this project (due to the economic development

competence delegated to it) is in the process of carrying out the steps to acquire this

brownfield,

- The land is currently owned by Rio Tinto (formerly Péchiney) and the buildings by former

MGI (a bankrupt company no longer in existence),

- the CCPE has asked the PACA Region Public Works and Development Agency (AREA) to

assist it in this project,

- A project for the acquisition of the former MGI buildings by the CCPE is under way,

- Péchiney and the CCPE will be negotiating to determine the contribution of each party to

the cost of soil remediation before the land is transferred to the CCPE (the cost is high:

remediation work estimated at first approach, and subject to additional

expertise/discoveries, at 3 million euros).

- Problems of contradictory opinions between different state services as to the degree of flood

risk to which the site is subject. The commune is awaiting a formal opinion from the State

which will make it possible to determine the level of investment to be mobilised to ensure

the protection of this land in relation to the Durance (reinforcement / extension of the dike

or not...). This is an essential prerequisite to be lifted before any redevelopment project on

the site.

- trAILs team points out that an architectural diagnosis of the built heritage present could be

an interesting preliminary step before the project phase; for possible

preservation/enhancement of elements of the built heritage to be integrated into a new

development of the area, elements which could possibly support new activities

(services/tourism...).

- The site has never yet been visited by heritage architects. Michel Frison would like

preliminary studies to include expert opinions on the different fields of development.

End of the visit rather quickly because of the dense morning programme:

- The undeveloped land owned by municipality in the south of the MGI brownfield is rented

with precarious leases to several companies for storage activities (wood energy, scrap

metal, etc.),

- The gravel pit site (Briançon Béton / EFC TP) is only an aggregate storage area (for

construction sites in the valley). However, a concession to exploit the bed of the Durance

has been granted on the other bank of the Durance (a heavy truck footbridge is under

construction).

Page | 8

- Until the years when everything was transported by train, there is no longer any freight

transport in the upper Durance Valley today,

- The participants visualize the place on their way back to the bus.

- Questions about the dike, the Extruflex site, and the station site are not discussed in detail

due to lack of time.

10.30 am- 1.00 pm: LES SABLONNIERES ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ZONE AND AFP / PECHINEY

BROWNFIELD GUIDED VISIT IN L'ARGENTIERE-LA BESSEE

For this guided visit, trAILs team was accompanied by:

- Robert REYMOND - l’Argentière-La Bessée municipality elected representative and Péchiney

Electrométallurgie former employee

- Roger MOUTIER - l'Argentière-La Bessée municipality elected representative

- Marie-Pierre BOCCHIARDO - l’Argentière-La Bessée municipality elected representative

- Raymond MARIGNE - CAUE 05 Vice-president and l’Argentière-la Bessée and Hautes-Alpes

Departmental Council former elected representative

- Stéphanie DAVIN – CCPE Economic Development and Services to the Public Pole manager

- Julien LAFONT - Economic Development and Public Services Department of the CCPE, task

Officer

- Bruno ANCEL - l’Argentière-La Bessée Heritage and Culture Department / Silver Mines site

manager

- Marie-Line GIRARD - Economic and Tourist Development Agency of the Hautes-Alpes

Department

- Daniel GIRARD - Aciéries et Fonderies de Provence (AFP) former employee

A translator ensured the exchanges between English and French speakers.

The visit allowed to visualize and comment mostly the outside parts of the following points (in

the order of the visit):

- The former hydroelectric power plant building and the site central alleyway,

- The "E Series" building installed on the Durance river banks,

- The former Péchiney aluminium foundries building and storage area around, belonging to

the Allamano building and public works company,

- The pedestrian cycle path on the banks of the Durance River in the southern part of the

former industrial site.

- The former steelworks and Foundery of Provence (AFP) brownfield,

- The square in front of « l'Argentière - les Écrins » railway station,

- On the way back to the town hall: Charles de Gaulle avenue and north area of Les

Sablonnières economic activity zone.

Page | 9

Historical presentation of the site

(Bruno Ancel / Stéphanie Davin / Daniel Girard - Information and details in addition to those

furnished by trAILs document " D.T1.3.2 Pilot profil")

- General historical background on the site, on the former silver lead mines which closed in

1908 (up to 300 people worked there), on the establishment of the first electrometallurgical

plant (1907) and the associated hydroelectric power station (commissioned in 1910). The

industrial site (set up in the minor riverbed with a canalised Durance) first produced various

chemical products before specialising in aluminium :

- At the time of its commissioning, the hydroelectric power station was the most powerful in

Europe,

- For almost half a century (1930-1980 decades) l'Argentière-la Bessée was one of the main

French aluminium manufacturing centres,

- Argentière-la Bessée village has been developed around and because of the Péchiney

factory. The company will be at the origin of the construction of a large part of the buildings

of the town to house its employees (workers' housing estates, foremen's houses...). It will also

finance the construction of the town's main public buildings (town hall, covered market,

school, nursery, clinic, cinema, etc.). The company has been, for several decades, all-powerful

in this community / in the valley. At its peak, it was the main employer in the Hautes-Alpes

department. The Argentière-La-Bessée "black town" was then suffering from very significant

pollution.

- 1985: Final shutdown of electrometallurgical activities (Péchiney) on the site. This cessation of

activity will create an economic, social and demographic shock on Argentière-la Bessée and

the valley. In the 1980s, around 600 people were working on the site at Péchiney or as

subcontractors.

- 1987: Demolition of the entire northern part of the industrial site, the « Coal Plant » (which

produced electrodes for aluminium electrolysis) and of the immense surrounding wall that

separated the plant from the town (along the Charles de Gaulle Avenue). Some time later, a

residential area and commercial premises will be built on the northern part of the site.

- 1987: establishment of the « Aciéries et Fonderies de Provence » (AFP), as part of a plan to

maintain employment supported by the State level (AFP, a Marseille-based company, will

relocate to l'Argentière). AFP was specialized in the moulding of large parts for industry

(turbines, etc.). This activity will be carried on for about 25 years in a group of central

buildings of the former Péchiney factory located between the former power station and

Avenue Général de Gaulle,

- 2012: Definitive cessation of industrial activity (AFP) on the site.

- The great challenge of the commune was then to accompany the transformation of the

industrial city towards a more touristic city, notably oriented towards sports activities (white

water sports, ice climbing). Unlike many other communes in the valley, the commune of

l'Argentière-la Bessée hardly benefits from the tourist economy of skiing.

General information on the Sablonnières economic activity zone and AFP brownfield

(Information and points of view provided by the accompanying local stakeholders - Information and

details in addition to those furnished by trAILs document " D.T1.3.2 Pilot profil")

Page | 10

- The former Péchiney industrial site is currently an economic activity zone (mainly craft

businesses) with the buildings of the AFP industrial wasteland in its central part. The southern

part of the site (former slag heap and southern extension) has been developed into a

recreational and sports area on the banks of the Durance River (whitewater stadium and

camping),

- About 100 people are currently working in small businesses in this activity zone,

- Most of the former industrial buildings on the site (except for the buildings on the former

AFP brownfield and the former electric factory) are currently being reused (accommodation

for craft and service activities, community halls, communal services, etc.),

- The commune owns a significant part of these old buildings, which Péchiney had sold to it

for the symbolic euro ("E Series" building, former power station, former workshop buildings

in the north of the ZA). The commune rents or shares part of its properties with private

companies and the CCPE technical services.

- The AFP brownfield consists of a set of densely built plots of land covering an area of around

1.7 ha located on the west side of the former power station and facing the Charles de Gaulle

Avenue. The CCPE is in the process of acquiring this property, on behalf of the commune, in

order to allow the redevelopment of activities (project still to be defined).

Details on Les Sablonnières economic activity zone / AFP brownfield provided during the

visit (Information and points of view provided by the accompanying local stakeholders -

Informations and details in addition to those furnished by trAILs document " D.T1.3.2 Pilot profil")

Former hydroelectric plant / central site alley

- Penstocks fed the turbines installed in this building through an underpass. The evacuation of

the turbined water was done by a large canal which came out at the level of the south gable

of this building and joined the river Durance downstream. The old turbines were removed

after the construction of the new power station on the left bank (at the end of the 1970s). It

is a rather heritage building (gable facades / elevations, reinforced concrete water tower

forming an architectural signal on the site). It is relatively enclosed in other ancillary

constructions.

- This building is currently empty and awaiting a new reassignment / project (heritage

project?). The building has not been visited.

- Commentary by Bruno Ancel on the photographic route exposing the industrial site history

in the central (pedestrian) alley and on the municipality cultural policy which relies heavily on

its industrial heritage.

E Series" building and Allamanno company property

- The "E Series" building, which stretches more than 290 metres along the Durance River, is the

result of one of the latest modernizations of the Péchiney factory (in the 1960s). Most of the

building is owned by the l'Argentière-la Bessée Municipality, which partitioned it, sold some

of the lots, rented others and used parts of it for its technical services (notably the fire

brigade),

- The Allamanno building and public works company, an important company in the Hautes-

Alpes Department operating throughout the Department and particularly in ski resorts, owns

the vast aluminium foundry and titration building inherited from the Péchiney era as well as

Page | 11

a large group of adjoining plots of land (in all about 2.7 ha) which occupy the southern part

of the economic activity zone. Its buildings and areas are mainly used for storage of

materials and to park its vehicles and site machinery,

- These two buildings are not visited for lack of time.

Cyclo pedestrian path in the south sector of the site

- The southern part of the former Péchiney industrial site, where the former slag heap was

located, has been remodelled and planted. It is currently a non-constructible zone,

- The community dump and a cycle track have been set up there,

- The track gives access to a whitewater stadium on the Durance River, quite recently built

(canoeing and kayaking in particular). This sector of recreational and sports facilities includes

an artificial lake as well as reception and restaurant buildings which are a continuation of a

municipal campsite,

- This trail is frequented and appreciated by locals and visitors alike. The question is asked

about the connection to the south and the link with the centre of the village of l'Argentière.

A project is to come.

- This industrial site southern sector (under the former slag heap) has remained very polluted

underground,

- The presence of piezometric sensors for monitoring the underground water (which the

attendants do not have if they are still working) is noticed. It was mentioned that knowledge

of the site's pollution is very incomplete,

- Testimony of Raymond Marigne on the impressive pollution of the subsoil observed during

the foundation work during the construction (at the end of the 1960s) of the building

currently housing the Allamanno company.

- Presence of a few small private activity buildings, which were built after the end of the

industrial activity in the south-western part of the site (along the Charles de Gaulle avenue /

railway line).

- Overview of the building of the municipal swimming pool. This facility was a former bowling

alley. The former employees of the factories tell about the really great financial power of

Péchiney during its golden age. During the period when the plant was closed, employees

received severance pay in the form of funds earmarked for investment projects in the town

(old bowling alley, hotel renovations, etc.). This also helped to support the city's

transformation.

AFP brownfield

- On arrival at the site (closed and forbidden to public visits), the partners deplored further

damage to the buildings (vandalism),

- Remarks on the very negative image of the wasteland which is strongly perceived from the

main road of the Argentière,

- View of the foundry hall building interiors , now completely empty: a vast steel stud/structure

of almost 7000 m2 in one piece, with steel cladding facades. Office building with similar

architectural appearance in the foreground, annexe buildings with a dilapidated appearance.

Outdoor areas in the brownfield, reclaimed by wooded vegetation.

Page | 12

- Information given mainly by former AFP employee Daniel Girard, who experienced the

relocation of the Marseille-based company, its installation on the Péchiney site during the

1980s, the relocation of machine tools, the heavy investments financed by Péchiney

(reconfiguration/extension of old buildings for the needs of AFP's activities), the arrival of

new teams of workers, notably immigrants, the resumption of activity a few years later by an

Italian industrialist, his retirement, and the years of management of AFP as a workers'

cooperative society over the last decade of activity.

Square in front of »l’Argentière- les Écrins«railway station

Brief history of the rail link

- Construction of the rail link with the Marseillaise region at the end of the 19th century with a

view to the industrial development of the valley (import of raw materials / export of

manufactured goods),

- During the Péchiney era the raw material - bauxite - for the manufacture of aluminium was

transported by rail (initially from the mines in the Provençal region),

- After the war, the Briançon-Paris night train made it possible for Péchiney executives to meet

in Paris and return during the day.

Current operation / issues raised

- The railway line is single-track and non-electrified,

- Regional train connections (TER) with Gap / Marseille several times a day,

- Daily night train connection with Paris - one of the last sleeper trains in France (reinforced

connection and very much used in the tourist season),

- There is no longer any freight activity on this line, despite requests from local authorities to

re-establish this service,

- The fight of local elected representatives to maintain the mainline link (Paris-Valence-

Briançon) after the closure of Péchiney, notably led by Joël Giraud l’Argentière-La Bessée

former mayor and current deputy and former budget rapporteur at the National Assembly,

- (The question of the planned tunnel link to Turin was not addressed).

- Question from the trAILs team: what about a consideration of a seasonal increase in traffic to

relieve road congestion for access to ski resorts?

Charles de Gaulle Avenue / Les Sablonnières north area

- The demolition of the huge wall surrounding the factory (after the demolition of the coal

factory) is mentioned again. The opening of the site to the city was a great change. The city

was transformed by it.

- The transformation/improvement of the image and living environment of L'Argentière,

which, with the local policies implemented, has gone from being a "black" town to a

mountain village where activity has been converted to nature/mountain activities, and where

life is now good.

Page | 13

State of the reflexion on the future of the AFP brownfield site

(information and points of view provided by local stakeholders)

- The local stakeholders on this second visit mainly communicated on the past and present, but

very little was said about the future of this brownfield site,

- The acquisition of the brownfield, the disappointments a few years earlier of an unsuccessful

project of spring water bottling activity on this site, the return of a possible similar project and

the urban planning study that the municipality will undertake (of which trAILs team had been

informed by the elected representatives during previous contact with the local authority) were

little mentioned.

2.00 pm – 5.00 pm - ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON BROWNFIELD SITES

CO-EVALUATION WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS

The November 22nd afternoon was devoted to exchanges between trAILs team and local

stakeholders. The objective of this part of the site visit was to know the points of view of the local

stakeholders on the problems and potentialities of their brownfield sites as well as their visions for

the future of these sites.

Participants list (local stakeholders):

- Cyrille DRUJON D'ASTROS – Fressinière municipality mayor and CCPE President

- Gérard GUIMBERT – l’Argentière-la Bessée municipality 1st deputy

- Marie-Pierre BOCCHIARDO - l’Argentière-La Bessée municipality elective representative

- Michel FRISON - la Roche de Rame municipality mayor

- Jean-Robert RICHARD - la Roche de Rame municipality 1st deputy

- Éric APILLI - l’Argentière-la Bessée municipality Services manager

- Stéphanie DAVIN - CCP Economic Development and Public Services Division manager

- Julien LAFONT - CCPE Economic Development and Public Services task officer

- Bettina MATIAS - CCPE intermunicipal tourist office manager

- Marie-Line GIRARD - Hautes-Alpes Department Economic and Tourism Development Agency

- Raymond MARIGNE - - CAUE 05 Vice-president and l’Argentière-la Bessée and Hautes-Alpes

Departmental Council former elected representative.

A translator has ensured the exchanges between English and French speakers.

Round table course

trAILs team have presented the trAILs project progress to local stakeholders:

- Update on the work already carried out on the 2 other pilot sites (in Eisenerz-Austria and

Borgo San-Dalmazzo - Italy),

- Update on work already carried out around the pilot site of Argentière-la Bessée / La Roche

de Rame :

- Document " profile of the pilot site, Evaluation of French policies related to

brownfield sites ",

Page | 14

- First assessments on the L'Argentière wasteland site, carried out by the university

partners of the trAILs team,

- Student projects from the University of Munich (which will serve as a discussion

paper for the workshop February 2020).

The local players gave a summary presentation of their perception of the challenges

facing their two brownfield sites.

The two brownfield sites present very important redevelopment challenges for the valley.

Although they are both now included in economic activity zones, their contexts and the

prospects envisaged by the communities for their redevelopment are very different:

- On MGI brownfield in la Roche de Rame, located outside the urban area, directly

connected to the RD94 axis and without visual impact from this road, the community is

planning the redevelopment of an economic activity zone.

- On the AFP brownfield in Argentière-la Bessée, located in the heart of the town, the local

authority is planning to redevelop the area around tourism, complementary activities and

services to those already existing, including a restructuring of the town center and the

enhancement of its heritage. Contours of this project are still largely to be defined.

Round table discussion

This round table discussion was prepared by the CAUE84 around questions and open discussions

based on the framework of the chapter " 4) CHALLENGES AND EXPECTATIONS" of trAILs

document " D.T1.3.2 Pilot profile".

The issues at the level of the pilot region (territory of the upper Durance Valley /

intercommunality of the Pays des Écrins) were first addressed, and the discussion then focused

on the two brownfield sites.

A summary of these discussions is presented in part 4.2 APPENDIX B – SYNTHESIS OF THE

MAIN OUTPUTS FROM SHS DISCUSSION of this present document

Page | 15

3 REFLECTION SESSION

The second day of a site visit was intended to facilitate three main WPs of the project in order to

steer the project work better:

- WPT2 Assessment Procedure Reflection

- WPT3 Workshop Preparations

- WPT1 Web-GIS database – Mapping of the Project Results and National/Regional

Brownfields

WPT2 Assessment Procedure Reflection

The WPT2 Assessment Procedure Reflection prepared by UL, started with a short summarisation

and a synthesis of the main outputs from the SHs discussion of the previous day (see appendix

B). Afterwards, UL lead a discussion and reviewed individual assessment methods of each

thematic assessments in order to create an outline of a unified assessment procedure. Each of

designated PPs presented their own observations on their procedure of assessment based on

experience from the project pilot sites in Eisenerz and Borgo San Dalmazzo.

WPT3 Workshop Preparations

POLIMI as leaders of WPT3 presented a roadmap to a workshop in France. The main aim and

agreement between PPs is to implement a HYBRID method for the workshop where the main

aim will be to produce a planning recommendation that addresses towards a planning

agreement – a binding agreement among stakeholders.

WPT1 Web-GIS database – Mapping of the Project Results and National/Regional Brownfields

In the last part of the second day of an internal project meeting, Stephan and Julia (TU-Wien)

presented the concept and process of the projects’ web-GIS database on AILs. Thomas (CAUE)

presented a method of a survey for municipalities to identify the state and locations of existing

brownfields.

Page | 16

3.1 WPT2 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE REFLECTION

Spatial and landscape assessment (TU-Wien and POLIMI):

Main discussion was still concerned about the scale and variety of analysis which will be used in

the assessment for pilot site in France. Julia and Elena reported that division of assessments by

scale (as was done for BSD) does prove to provide the best results. For the pilot site in France,

POLIMI will provide spatial and landscape assessments on site specific scale (< 1:2500), i.e. for L’

Argentiere, while TU-Wien will conduct analyses and assessments on a regional scale (> 1:5000),

i.e. taking also La Roche De Rame into the scope of assessing. For any additional data and

information, Thomas (CAUE) will be the contact (Figure X).

Figure 1: Spatial assessment comparison form AT to IT

Environmental and ecological assessment (TUM-ROEK)

The Environmental assessment is very well received by regional partners at it unveils the

ecological potentials of such brownfields. One of the main analysis, the soil and planning

recommendations, requires more resources and time as is available. Therefore for the upcoming

assessments she will look into the subject by providing references, suggestions of other studies

in the area or on the topic of (soil) pollution and land rehabilitation.

Page | 17

Figure 2: Spatial assessment comparison form AT to IT

Socio-economic assessments (UNIVR-HS + UNIVR-E)

Lorenzo explained the modifications of the assessment for France, moreover, the surveys’

questionnaire that will be administered at the local levels by a telephone. Lorenzo also

emphasised the importance of a preliminary stakeholder engagement as a necessary step to

gather all the viable and important information in order to conduct socio-economic assessment.

At the site visit, they have already gathered interviews and modified questions to better reflect

the contexts of the socio-economic conditions for French pilot site.

Figure 3: Social assessment comparison form AT to IT

Page | 18

The economic side of the assessment is strongly dependent on census data and available

indicators in the country. This makes the assessments across countries difficult to compare.

Work towards a more unified set of core indicators would be useful.

Figure 4: Economic assessment comparison form AT to IT

Page | 19

Assessment Tool as an output of WPT2

PPs discussed the difficulty of the upcoming task of developing a co-assessment method, a

procedure of AILs assessment that will be used as a transferable tool to assess other AILs in the

future. UL presented two suggestions, concepts for the Assessment Tool useful to various

officials on local/regional levels:

1. A “user-guide to assessments” (i.e. a catalogue of assessments with examples)

2. A decision-making guide to identify assessments

A “user-guide to assessments” concept of a tool would resemble a catalogue of assessments,

with appended descriptions, good examples and brief explanation how to carry-out such

analysis. It would also present concrete steps for administrators how to acquire such

assessment. (figure 5).

Figure5: Main categories for the cataqlog approach- a user guide to assessments.

A decision-making guide to identify assessments is already ment as a support tool for decision

making. It would be tailored to identify main topics that are important for the site, as one would

be guided through a selection of questions, topics. By providing a „yes“ and „no“ answers the

administrators would eb able to identify main assesments and topics for the site. (decision tree

diagrams) (figure 6).

Description of

assessment

In simple words,

how is the

assessment used in

the monitoring

process? What is its

role? Why is it

useful??

Description of main

sections

- how are they made

- how are they

useful

Good examples

- a few good

examples of analysis

within the section

- explanation what

the analysis shows

- demonstration

how this is used

(problems and

potentials)

Simple explanation

- in simple words

what does this

analysis do

- in simple words

what this analysis

produces – how is it

useful.

Step by step

implementation

- a description for

the municipality

official what he/she

needs to do to

obtain the

assessment

Page | 20

Figure 6: A decision-making guide concept.

The PPs have agreed to integrate both concepts into a visual booklet as the Assessment Tool.

UL will bring examples to the next Reflection Session.

Deadlines regarding WPT2

13th December 2019 Research PPs provide identified POTENTIALS AND PROBLEMS for the

pilot site in France (with exceptions for POLIMI, UNIVR)

17th January 2020 UL disseminates a DRAFT of Assessment Book

24th January 2020 Research PPs provide CORRECTIONS to the Assessment Book

31st January 2020 CAUE provides FRENCH TRANSLATIONS of the Assessment Book

3rd February 2020 FINAL Assessment Book for France in English and French language

3rd February 2020 Research PPs submit FINAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS

3-11 February 2020 UL prepares an ASSESSMENT POSTER as a workshop material

Page | 21

3.2 WPT3 WORKSHOP PREPARATIONS

POLIMI team presented and addressed two possible approaches for the projects’ third

workshop, based on the main aim of the workshop:

“To reach a planning agreement, a set of key issues mutually agreed among involved SHs”.

To facilitate the aim, the first concept – “Test-Planning” was introduced and discussed as the

approach which would provide concrete outputs – a binding agreement among SHs. However,

for such approach to succeed, there would be required to have not only a high number of

participating SHs, moreover, they would have to be various planning experts, well familiar with

the French pilot area. The second approach – “Participatory Planning” was presented as a more

feasible concept – to produce a shared-vision among SHs as it would better involve locals and

their inputs. The final output of the workshop would therefore produce only a non-binding

agreement among SHs.

PPs agreed for the upcoming workshop to use a modification of both approaches – a hybrid

method to facilitate the following concrete outputs that will deliver a planning recommendation

addressed towards a planning agreement:

- Identification of the KEY ISSUES

- Involvement of important PLANNING EXPERTS and LOCAL SHs

- Mapping of the key issues on a DIAGRAMMATIC MAP (1:2500) and REPORTING

Workshops’ main inputs and structure with designated PP (Figure 7 and 8):

- 3 inputs from the interdisciplinary tables of planning experts + local SHs + PPs

- 3 facilitators (CAUE)

- 3 translators (CAUE)

- 3 different posters of test-designs (TD), format A0 (POLIMI)

- 3 identical posters of the Assessment Results (AR), format A0 (UL)

- Various working material - transparent sheets of paper, markers, post-it notes, etc.

(POLIMI)

Page | 22

Figure 7: Structure of the workshop

Figure 8: Proposed agenda for the upcoming workshop

AR AR AR TD 3 TD 1 TD 2

Page | 23

3.3 WPT1 WEB-GIS DATABASE – MAPPING OF THE PROJECT RESULTS

AND NATIONAL/REGIONAL BROWNFIELDS

TU-Wien presented the concept and instructions for producing the projects’ web-GIS database.

Research PPs will be designated to fill-out the excel table for their domestic pilot sites and

thematic assessments. The first example of a web-GIS database based on the Eisenerz

information will be presented at the upcoming workshop, at the internal meeting. Therefore,

research PPs are obligated to fill-out the excel table (for the pilot site Eisenerz, AT) by 18th of

December 2019 (contact person: Stefan).

Thomas (CAUE) presented a survey of identifying existing brownfields in the French pilot region.

The presentation also addressed other PPs and their contribution regarding WPT1 outputs by

collecting data of existing brownfield in their domestic pilot regions. Sonia (Lamoro) will check

the status in Italy, An effort will be made, to ask if something is existing in Styria.

Nevertheless, UL and CAUE agreed to identify common characteristics, categories of existing

censuses that will be presented on the projects’ GIS platform for the case of Slovenian and

French pilot region (such as: name, size, location, ownership, general description).

Page | 24

4 APPENDIX

4.1 APPENDIX A – AGENDA & PROTOCOL

Page | 25

Page | 26

4.2 APPENDIX B – SYNTHESIS OF THE MAIN OUTPUTS FROM SHS

DISCUSSION

CONCERNING THE REGIONAL CONTEXT

Mountain area specificites

Natural hazards

- The strong presence of natural risks is experienced as a heavy constraint for development :

- Heavy work has recently been carried out on the Durance river course to reinforce the

Sablonnières economic activity zone protection against flooding. The risk has thus

been reduced, but development constraints still remain on this site.

- On the site La Roche de Rame brownfield (flooding risk), the investment costs

associated with this risk will be a major factor in redevelopment on this site.

Apprehension/ Preparedness for climate change

- Climate change will have a significant impact on this mountain area (in particular with the

drop in snow cover levels and the probable natural risk aggravation, in particular flooding,

linked to the increase in violent meteorological episodes). This new situation is likely to

lead to significant socio-economic changes in the valley's municipalities. They will have to

adapt.

- Cyrille Drujon d'Astros specifies that there are now more tourist overnight stays in summer

than in winter in the Queyras / Ecrins sector and that a trend is emerging in the desire to

buy property as a second home on the argument of the climatic comfort of the mountains

in summer.

Accessibility problems / landlockedness

- Aspects considered as very important brakes for the valley economic development and in

particular for the 2 brownfield sites to be redeveloped,

- Prospects for opening up the region seem remote (rail link project to Italy by a railway

tunnel...).

- Optic fibre arrival is signalled, which should allow the development of tertiary activities,

- The valley is still strongly perceived as a traffic corridor. Some communes in the valley

(such as l’Argentière-la Bessée) benefit very little from the ski economy. The CCPE's policies

aim to make the valley a real destination (for tourism...)

- Heavy road transit / road congestion are very important problems in the valley. However,

Michel Frison pointed out that in La Roche de Rame municipality idea of a bypass around

the village is not unanimously accepted.

- CAUE 84 returns to the idea of redeveloping rail transport in the valley, as an alternative

to all-car access to the ski resorts from the Marseille region (link from Chorges? road

shuttle hubs to the ski resorts? Why not to be developed in particular on the Les

Sablonnières site). The elected representatives reply that the idea has never been

mentioned, but could, why not, be an argument for maintaining the development of the

railway line. However, the elected representatives underline the problem of the

acceptability of load breaks for passengers in this type of multimodal transport.

Page | 27

Territorial development capacities (with small communities of municipalities)

Carrying capacity for heavy projects for small mountain communities/ Support from the

administration

- The elected representatives present consider administration (State/public institutions /

Department / Region) support for equipment and local development to be of a good

level. On the other hand, they deplore the difficulties of collaboration/synergy at the local

level (between communities of municipalities and between municipalities) especially on

these points and on tourism policy (multitude of tourist offices in the valley).

Development prospects

- There is a strong demand for land from companies in the business sector (craft

companies, many of them in the construction sector).

- Elected officials testify to the satisfactory reconversion of the post-industrial city. Three

decades after the cessation of heavy industry and the subsequent demographic fall, the

population of the town has recovered and the image and living environment of

l’Argentière-la Bessée have greatly improved (the town at the time of Péchiney had a very

bad image due to industrial pollution) with in particular the development of nature sports

around the Durance (whitewater sports) and on the lower slopes (famous ice cascade)

and an enhancement of the industrial heritage. The development prospects are to

reinforce these orientations.

Development of activity sectors

- The CCPE is working on the development of nature sports (whitewater sports, ice

climbing, hiking...) and heritage to enhance the value of the valley destination. Vocational

training courses for professions linked to the support of its practices (instructors, guides,

etc.) have been set up with the schools of the valley and the PACA Region.

- A general strategy is also desired for the development/strengthening of the wood

industry in the valley (economy based on local resources to be developed).

- An activity zone oriented towards wood construction was very recently opened in Saint-

Martin de Queyrières (another CCPE municipality).

- To date, there is no sector strategy for the development of economic activities on the two

brownfields in sites studied (which, as already specified, are in great demand due to

requests for the installation of craft enterprises).

- Michel Frison also points out that the mechanical workshops linked to the ski economy

(maintenance/repair of ski-lift machines), which were present in the valley, have

relocated. A relocation of these activities in the Upper Durance Valley could also be a

development trail.

Demographics, Youth and Education

- The valley is experiencing an ageing phenomenon in its population.

- For young people, there are two main scenarios in the CCPE: young people who leave to

pursue higher education in the large surrounding conurbations (Grenoble / Lyon /

Marseille...) do not generally return to live in the valley. The young people who do shorter

training courses in this part of the Department (which has training establishments at BTS

Page | 28

and licence level in mountain, hotel and tourism professions), stay to work in the country

(with professional activities that are often bi seasonal).

- A college and two vocational training centres are present in l’Argentière-la Bessée,

including a highly reputed « Maison des Compagnons du Devoir » (building trades,

specialising in wood/framework construction) which welcomes around a hundred

apprentices per year (on short stays).

- Cyrille Drujon-d'Asrtos evoked the idea of reinforcing this wood construction teaching

system by setting up a wood engineering school in the valley. There are currently only

two such schools in France. He specifies, however, that the competence of higher

education does not belong to the inter-municipal administration level.

PERSPECTIVES AND QUESTIONS ON MGI BROWNFIELD SITE / LE PLANET ECONOMIC

ACTIVITY ZONE DEVELOPMENTS

Objectives for the redevelopment of MGI brownfield site appear to be well established.

The elected representatives wish to develop a new economic activity zone on the brownfield

and the adjoining communal plots. Existing activities in the Planet area will be integrated into it.

Michel Frison mentioned the possibilities of setting up activities such as composting or scrap

metal recycling, as the site is away from residential areas. Activities related to timber and

energy, renewable energies are also mentioned. On the other hand, the land seems too small

to accommodate a large industrial plot.

The site acquisition and the resolution of the problems related to the flood risks and pollution

of the site are the main hard points prior to the project that the CCPE is currently working on.

The CCPE will be assisted by a delegated project manager to set up this project.

In response to questions from trAILs team on other possible uses for the site :

- It was pointed out that the installation of a photovoltaic power plant had been proposed

by a project leader, but not retained by the community, as it was not considered to be

sufficiently valuable for this site that could be developed. On the other hand, photovoltaic

solar energy could be installed on the roofs of the buildings to be constructed.

- On the advisability of renaturing all or part of the site (particularly in view of investments

costs to depollute it /to protect it against flood risks before redeveloping it), Michel Frison

considers that it is better for the site to remain developed in order to manage/contain its

pollution.

PERSPECTIVES AND QUESTIONS ON AFP BROWNFIELD SITE / SABLONNIERES

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ZONE DEVELOPMENTS

The context, the stakes and the definition of redevelopment orientations on this brownfield

seem much more complex than on the la Roche de Rame brownfield.

The idea of an innovative tourist project is clearly put forward by the elected representatives. In

this sense, the prospect of a wood museum based on an important collection of existing tools

is evoked (to be installed in the former electric factory?).

Page | 29

Elected representatives underline that an overall project can only be set up in stages over the

medium to long term, due in particular to the scale of the financing to be mobilised. Unless a

major investor is found...

It is stressed that the redevelopment project will necessarily have to integrate the following

issues:

- the brownfield site and the activity zone are adjacent to the town centre, and that this

complex is rather unstructured and not very well connected (a study of a town centre

urban programming, commissioned by the CCPE, is forthcoming and will help to advance

this reflection),

- AFP brownfield occupies a central and highly visible location in the city,

- Les Sablonnières economic activity zone is home to many craft businesses, which occupy

a significant part of the buildings/land on the former Péchiney site.

TrAILs team raises the following questions:

- Politecnico di Milano University: What are the advantages / disadvantages for the public

authorities of implementing a project to transform a brownfield on an unoccupied site

where the land can possibly be controlled (such as at the Roche de Rame) or on a partially

reused site with fragmented property (such as the AFP/ Péchiney site)?

The elected representatives underline this difficulty for a global project/requalification on

the former Péchiney site and evoke :

- the absence, at the time of the closure of Péchiney and then of AFP, of any overall

reflection on the possibilities for redevelopment of the site,

- the difference between the length of time the site has been more or less inactive

after the disappearance of Péchiney (which has lasted nearly 40 years) and the life

span of small businesses,

- the consequent socio-economic contribution of the redeployment of activity by

small businesses on a case-by-case basis on the site,

- that a majority of buildings and roads remain today under communal land control.

- The use of public investment after the cessation of a heavy industrial activity is evoked in a

broader way, around these 2 following options:

- Maintenance of part of the on-site employment by a new "replacement" industrial

activity more or less subsidized by public funds over a given period of time,

- Pre-investment time in project engineering for studies of differentiated scenarios for

the sustainable redevelopment of the site.

The Politecnico di Milano University adds that the long duration of brownfield

situations in fact makes it possible to carry out prospective studies on the future of

these kinds of sites.

- The question of a temporary use / third party use of part of the AFP brownfield (in the old

power plant building?) to initiate the development of activities / awaiting a comprehensive

project is raised: The elected officials are not a priori against. However, difficulties are

raised in terms of safety (dangerousness of the site, presence of pollution, minimum

facilities to be defined ...),

Page | 30

The aspect of "guarding / maintenance of the site" by a third party is mentioned by CAUE

84.

To conclude, Cyrllle Drujon d'Astros hopes that the approach initiated by trAILS will bring

imagination and ideas for the future of theses brownfields

Page | 31

4.3 APPENDIX C – PARTICIPANTS LIST

trAILs team (on 22 and 23 November)

- Marcello MODICA – Technical University of Munich – LAI department - Lead partner

- Kerstin BAER – Technical University of Munich – Ecology of restoration department

- Julia PECHHACKER – Technical University of Wien

- Stefan BINDREITER – Technical University of Wien

- Tomaž PIPAN – University of Ljubjana

- Manca KROŠELJ – University of Ljubjana

- Elena SOLERO - Politecnico di Milano

- Piergiorgio VITILLO - Politecnico di Milano

- Paolo GALUZZI - Politecnico di Milano

- Lorenzo MIGLIORATI – Universita di Verona

- Vincenzo PRETE – Universita di Verona

- Liria VERONESI – Universita di Verona

- Silvia GADDA - Universita di Verona (pollster for the sociological on-site survey)

- Gianluca LANFRANCHI - Universita di Verona (pollster for the sociological on-site

survey)

- Alberto ZANNI- Universita di Verona (pollster for the sociological on-site survey)

- Roberta MARCHESI – TWIG video company (local stakeholders interviews / meeting

communication)

- Fabio FASSINI - TWIG video company (local stakeholders interviews / meeting

communication)

- Umberto FAVA - LAMORO Development Agency

- Sonia ABLUTON - LAMORO Development Agency

- Zlatka ZASTAVNIKOVIC - E-zavod

- Uros BRANKOVIC - BSC Kranj

- Selma TERCONC - BSC Kranj

- Alain MARS – CAUE of Hautes-Alpes Department

- Annunzzia TRISCHITTA – CAUE of Hautes-Alpes Department

- Jean-Charles GROS – CAUE of Vaucluse Department

- Thomas KLEITZ – CAUE of Vaucluse Department

trAILs project French observers (on 22 and 23 November)

- Valerie-Cécile CHAUVIN – Région PACA

Page | 32

- Prune SAEZ-CONTRERAS – Grenoble superior national school of architecture – ENSAG -

Student

Other from trAILs project (on 22 November)

- Pascale REDER – Translator

Local stakeholders (on first day – 22 november – In morning and /or afternoon)

- Cyrille DRUJON D'ASTROS – Fressinière municipality mayor and CCPE President

- Michel FRISON - La Roche de Rame municipality mayor

- Gérard GUIMBERT - l’Argentière-la Bessée municipality 1st deputy

- Jean-Robert RICHARD - La Roche de Rame municipality 1st deputy

- Marie-Pierre BOCCHIARDO – l’Argentière-La Bessée municipality elected representative

- Robert REYMOND - l’Argentière-La Bessée municipality elected representative and

Péchiney Electrométallurgie former employee

- Roger MOUTIER - l'Argentière-La Bessée municipality elected representative

- Raymond MARIGNE - CAUE 05 Vice-president and l’Argentière-la Bessée and Hautes-

Alpes Departmental Council former elected representative

- Éric APILLI - l’Argentière-la Bessée municipality Services manager

- Stéphanie DAVIN – CCPE Economic Development and Services to the Public Division

manager

- Julien LAFONT - Economic Development and Public Services Department of the CCPE,

task officer

- Bruno ANCEL - l’Argentière-La Bessée Heritage and Culture Department / Silver Mines

site manager

- Bettina MATIAS - CCPE inter-municipal tourist office manager

- Marie-Line GIRARD - Economic and Tourist Development Agency of the Hautes-Alpes

Department

- Daniel GIRARD - Aciéries et Fonderies de Provence (AFP) former employee – l'Argentière-

la-Bessée resident