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From the industrial past to the metropolis of tomorrow
Thirty years. The time of a generation. The time it took to transform Marseille's once derelict port hinterland into France's second-largest business district after La Défense. Today, offices, housing, shops, and cultural facilities coexist on 480 hectares. A look back at the emblematic sites of this metamorphosis.
Boulevard Jacques Saadé: from port wasteland to Marseille's skyline
Marseille has long lived to the rhythm of cargo ships and port warehouses. "75% of the port's traffic came from trade with the colonies. After decolonization and the rise of the container industry, the inner port emptied, leaving behind hectares of industrial wasteland," recalls Judith Aziza, a doctor of history. In the 80s, these disused hangars became a symbol of economic decline. It was then that a visionary duo, Christian Pellegrin and Eric Castaldi, decided in 1991 to rehabilitate the Docks, foreshadowing the creation of Euroméditerranée. Today, these former warehouses, connected to the Terrasses du Port, form the heart of the business district. The architectural evolution of CMA CGM speaks volumes about the transformation of the urban landscape. From the Mirabeau to the 127-meter tower designed by Zaha Hadid, followed by the Tour La Marseillaise and the Porte Bleue, Marseille's skyline is gradually emerging. "The tower embodies economic and technological success, but it costs three times more than a traditional building," emphasizes Jean-Baptiste Pietri, president of the Constructa Group.
The Silo… A touch of fantasy
Having become a hotspot for Marseille's nightlife, the CEPAC Silo, built in 1927 to store wheat, was long a vital link in the port's trade before being threatened with demolition. Today, its unique architecture makes it a popular performance venue, where concerts and events punctuate the neighborhood.
The Major: From Shadow to Light
Long surrounded by a stream of vehicles, the Major Cathedral has regained its splendor. The demolition of the motorway overpass and the creation of the Prado-Littoral tunnel in 2011 freed up the space, providing a vast esplanade overlooking the sea and the Frioul Islands. The old vaults, once occupied by warehouses and ship repair workshops, have become a lively place to live.
Porte d'Aix: from urban asphyxiation to a new student heart
Until the 2000s, the A7 motorway led directly to Porte d'Aix. Today, the highway interchange has given way to a one-hectare park, around which new university centers are emerging. Porte d'Aix is once again becoming a dynamic crossroads with the establishment of EMD Business School and the Omnes Education group's campus projects, which will open its doors in 2026.
MuCEM: from port hangar to cultural showcase
At the entrance to the Old Port, the MuCEM attracts visitors from all over the world. "Previously, the gates prevented the public from approaching the quayside on the J4, where a hangar was located. Marseille, Capital of Culture, MP2013, allowed the construction of the MuCEM, which is now adjoined by the Cosquer Cave," recalls Laure-Agnès Caradec, president of Euroméditerranée. In the space of a decade, the J4 has established itself as a major cultural hub. But the transformation of the waterfront doesn't stop there...
And tomorrow?
A new chapter is being written for J1. Still inaccessible to the public, this 25 m², 000-meter-long hangar will soon be redeveloped into a cultural and events center under the name La Passerelle. The Marseille skyline continues its transformation with the M260 tower, scheduled for completion in 99. This project by the Constructa Group will house a Hilton hotel, a student residence, and 2028 apartments, with a panoramic restaurant. "The future is also taking shape in the north of Marseille. Capitaine Gèze is being redeveloped with the tramway and new cycle paths," explains Laure-Agnès Caradec. Finally, the closure of the Canet freight station in May 102 marks the end of an era. After the site is sold in March 2024, Euroméditerranée will begin the transformation by developing 2025 hectares into the Parc du ruisseau des Aygalades, the project's largest green space.
