Laying of the foundation stone for the Grand-Case Community Centre

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin laid the foundation stone of the Grand Case House of Associations on Tuesday, October 28.

This highly anticipated €4 million project is being led by the Collectivité of Saint-Martin with the help of European and state funds:

• State participation (FEI) at 49% and (DSIL) at 2.4%
• ERDF contribution at 24%
• COM self-financing at 24.6%

The project involves creating a new cultural and community space. The plan is to demolish the small (beige) building and rehabilitate the blue building (formerly the Elie Gibbs school and police station) by completely redesigning the site's architecture, while respecting the local architectural heritage.

At the end of the 18 months of work, the House will become an essential hub for local associations, for the district council no. 3, the France Services reception, the territorial police and the tourist office, each of which will have a dedicated space.

This central location, situated at the intersection of Boulevard Léonel Bertin Maurice and Rue des Écoles in Grand Case, will host several activity spaces designed according to an architecture respectful of the cultural codes of Saint-Martin.

On the ground floor, the building will feature an airy and tree-lined patio furnished with street furniture, and a traditional gallery on the upper floor; it will be primarily dedicated to community life and the promotion of Saint-Martin's culture and heritage.

Three prominent figures spoke at the ceremony this morning:

• Ms. Bernadette Davis, 2nd Vice-President in charge of living environment and ecological transition
• Mr. President Louis Mussington
• Ms. Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, sub-prefect (representing Prefect Cyrille Le Vely)

President Mussington said : "By laying this foundation stone today, we are building much more than a building: we are restoring a symbol of life, commitment and hope!"

Attached is his speech.