It is necessary “to (r) the merchants the desire to stay”, estimates David Bourgeois, assistant to the trade of the city of Arras

Asked about the revitalization of downtown Arras, David Bourgeois, deputy mayor in charge of trade and town planning, detailed the stages which led to this result, starting with the pedestrianization of the city center. “”The place in which we are, it took more than 50 years to pedestrize it is a long -term job. (…) It took time to succeed in convincing the usefulness (…) to make several types of mobility cohabit. “ The city has also created 10,000 parking spaces, with a free shuttle that serves them.

The city also seeks to develop ephemeral businesses, a principle that makes it possible to lend a local to craftsmen for a few weeks. “”It is an axis on which we are working today, it is also important to reassure the owners (…) It makes merchants want to stay in Arras“, Develops David Bourgeois. He specifies that the city includes”1436 businesses“, either “99% local shops“.

Find the entire interview on the video above