A historic military fort will potentially serve as the Olympic village for 1,200 athletes during the 2030 Winter Olympics in Briançon, France. The Fort des Trois Têtes selection has sparked controversy among locals due to its deteriorating condition and estimated renovation costs of up to 100 million euros. While some advocate for alternative locations, officials maintain that studies confirm the fort’s feasibility, with plans for a call for expressions of interest in the near future.
Imagine spending the night in a historic military fort! This unique opportunity could be a reality for 1,200 athletes during the Winter Olympic Games set to take place in Briançon in February 2030. This charming sub-prefecture in the Hautes-Alpes region is gearing up to host various events, including medal ceremonies and the pre-Olympic hockey tournament, alongside plans for an athlete village.
Controversy Surrounding the Fort des Trois Têtes
However, the selection of the Fort des Trois Têtes as the site for the Olympic village has sparked significant debate. The fort, which towers over the city, has raised eyebrows among local residents and municipal opposition. Despite the controversy, the decision seems to be moving forward, with Renaud Muselier, the president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, having visited the site months ago.
The Fort’s Degraded State and Future Plans
Perched at an altitude of over 1,400 meters, this fortification was designed by the renowned architect Vauban in the early 18th century as a protective measure for Briançon. Since 2008, it has held the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nevertheless, a 2011 report from the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-Belleville noted that ‘the buildings are in a very degraded state due to their long-standing abandonment, combined with the mountain climate.’ Previous plans to convert the fort into a luxury hotel and gourmet restaurant were quickly shelved.
With just five years left before the Olympic opening ceremony, extensive renovations are required, including restoring access roads, installing a cable car, and upgrading water and electricity systems. The nearby Schappe factory, which has been in disrepair since a fire in 2014, will also need renovation.
Opponents, represented by the Alert Committee (cAojop), estimate that the cost could soar to around 100 million euros. Stéphane Faure-Brac, the committee’s president, remarked, ‘When we were discussing the hotel project, the renovation cost was estimated at 65 million euros. Now, we have two projects: one for the Olympic village and another to convert it into residential and commercial spaces.’ The collective has even reached out to Edgar Grospiron, the newly appointed president of the 2030 Olympics, to share their concerns.
Potential Alternatives and Community Input
We conducted these programming studies which showed that it was entirely possible to set up an Olympic village in the Fort des Têtes.
Arnaud Murgia, Mayor (DVD) of Briançon
Despite the plans, precise expense evaluations remain elusive, shrouded in what some describe as a ‘secret’ regarding feasibility studies, the results of which were shared in November. During a municipal council meeting, councilor Francine Daerden voiced the concerns of some residents, stating, ‘Many Briançonnais are surprised that the studies on the Fort des Têtes have not been made public.’ She advocates for a citizen consultation to gauge local opinion.
In response, Mayor Arnaud Murgia assured, ‘We will ensure total transparency as soon as we have accurate figures.’ He further added that studies had confirmed the feasibility of establishing an Olympic village at the fort. A call for expressions of interest will be announced in the coming weeks to attract companies interested in the project.
Opponents are suggesting an alternative location for the Olympic village at the Club Med in La Salle-les-Alpes, conveniently situated at the base of Serre-Chevalier slopes. Overall, ‘five Olympic villages are planned to ensure all athletes are housed within a 30-minute commute to their respective competition venues.’ Other locations include Bozel in Savoie and the hamlet of Chinaillon in Grand-Bornand, Haute-Savoie.