In Angoulême, the Duval Group is launching the transformation of a former garage into a coworking space and shops

The Duval Group launched the conversion this morning of a former garage on the banks of the Charente River into a nearly 2.700 m² complex housing a coworking space, two local shops (including a restaurant), and 34 parking spaces. The coworking space will be operated by Hemera, a specialist in flexible workspaces. Completion is scheduled for early 2027.

In the presence of Xavier Bonnefont, Mayor of Angoulême, the Duval Group officially launched this morning the transformation work on this iconic building located on the banks of the Charente, in the heart of the Houmeau district.

An iconic landmark on Boulevard Besson-Bey and the banks of the Charente River, this building, constructed in the 1960s, will be given a new purpose. Its renovation will create a coworking space operated by Hemera, covering nearly 2.700 square meters, along with two local shops on the ground floor, including a restaurant, and 34 parking spaces.

Originally slated for demolition as part of the Îlot du Port development, this former garage was ultimately preserved thanks to the initiative of the City of Angoulême and Grand Angoulême, in agreement with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Land Development Agency (EPFNA). This decision allows for the preservation of a building emblematic of the Charente riverbank landscape while giving it a new function, adapted to the needs of the region.

This rehabilitation is part of the Îlot du Port transformation project. It marks a new stage in the redevelopment of the banks of the Charente by preserving and reinventing an emblematic building of Angoulême's industrial heritage.

Entrusted to Atelier Téqui Architectes and carried out in conjunction with the City of Angoulême and EPFNA, the operation transforms the existing building to create a place open to the city, combining workspaces, local shops and restaurants.

Delivery is scheduled for early 2027.

According to Louis-Victor Duval, CEO of the Duval Group: “Cities are no longer built simply by adding new buildings; they reinvent themselves by revealing the potential of those that already exist. In Angoulême, we have chosen to preserve a landmark on the banks of the Charente River and transform it into a place where people work, meet, and do business. Preserving what already exists while giving it a new future is also our way of building the city of tomorrow.”

For Xavier Bonnefont, Mayor of Angoulême and President of the Greater Angoulême Agglomeration: "The transformation of the former Fiat garage perfectly illustrates our collective ambition: to repurpose our built heritage, enhance the attractiveness of our neighborhoods, and create favorable conditions for economic development and innovation."

Also present at the start of the works were:

Valérie Dubant-Küng, Managing Director of Real Estate Development at Groupe Duval
Sylvain Piel, Regional Director, Duval Atlantic Group
Julien Parrou-Duboscq, President and co-founder of Hemera