Old church transformed into cultural events centre
A 19th century church in the Nord that was threatened with demolition has been transformed into a “cultural beacon”, including entertainment and events areas, concert space, and even a small hotel.
The church of Saint Louis, in Tourcoing (Hauts-de-France) has already opened its doors to several concerts, events, and private parties, with organisers planning bigger and better evenings in the near future.
Local resident, carpenter-roofer and member of national work and skills guild Les Compagnons du Devoir, Silvany Hoarau bought the church in 2011, saving it from almost-certain demolition.
It had been abandoned since 2001, but has since been completely renovated and updated.
Most of the work has been done by dozens of young school-leavers and school dropouts as part of a construction skills training programme, with planning and building skills passed on by the Compagnons du Devoir organisation.
The project has also been supported through the cooperation of Far Lab, a sociocultural association that helps find solutions to renovate old buildings - especially churches - that would otherwise risk demolition.
The renovated space - which is modern but has kept the original church features intact - already has a “cultural” cafe on its ground floor, and hotel bedrooms on the first floor. More bedrooms are planned, with several expected to be built in the old bell tower itself.
There are also plans to open an architect studio and a design studio inside, as well as a co-working area for freelancers, and a seminar room for small business events.
Future stages of the renovation will also allow local artists and artisans to showcase and exhibit their work.
Mr Hoarau, who actually lived in the church inside a tent pitched in the nave at the beginning of the project, said that the renovation was “a dream come true”.
He said: “Churches are not only for praying. They can be somewhere to celebrate too. I want people to discover the magic of the space. This is how to turn an old bell tower into an economic and cultural beacon.”
A local resident and member of the church’s support association, Les Sens et l’Essence du Lieu, Sarah, said: “This conversion has allowed the neighbourhood to live again. We needed this. We have so many repeat visitors.”
Mr Hoarau already has plans for more ventures, and has recently bought the Saint Gérard church in Wattrelos (Nord-Pas de Calais) for a similar future project.
