North Station

With a view to boosting competitiveness at the European level and enhancing the appeal of the Gare du Nord to its users, the Franklin Azzi Architecture agency has proposed a project to restructure the site.

This involves a major transformation of the public spaces and a reorganization of the shops in order to make better use of the station's existing space. It seems essential to restore the verticality of the interior façade in order to give the Gare du Nord back the exceptional architectural character that earned it the nickname “the first cathedral station” when it was built in the 19th century. This restoration would make it possible to reinvent emblematic uses that have now disappeared, in particular by integrating a hotel and a panoramic restaurant into the interior façade.

The project also includes the renovation of the roof to bring in more natural light and make the infrastructure levels usable. Finally, the redesign of the historic pediment, conceived in harmony with the existing structure, would revitalize it while preserving the Eurostar departure platform. This work would be complemented by the creation of a functional building on Rue de Maubeuge, extending this platform and housing coworking spaces and a security center.