GREEN AND CIRCULAR REJUVENATION

Client: Greater Lille Authority

Scientific partner: Neo-Eco

Location: Tourcoing, Roubaix, North of France

Delivered in: December 2022

The Greater Lille Authority implements locally a vast country-wide rejuvenation programme* on four brownfield sites in Roubaix (three in the Alma district) and Tourcoing (the Lepoutre spinning mill and the La Redoute warehouses in La Bourgogne), both being some of the lowest income districts in France**.

The authorities aimed at leveraging these 60,000 m2 by attracting economic activities and creating local value. They also planned to align with the green transition while building on local assets.

Inecko has set this approach in motion, developing a green and circular innovation roadmap, securing 16 business set-ups and evidencing employment outcomes.

Specifically, we have:

Delivered a place-based economic development and innovation strategy centred on existing capacities and green/circular ecosystems
Suggested 27 intertwined commercial activities within 11 sub-sectors***, assessed existing or potential business models, initiated operations engaging with local businesses
Secured in 2.5 months 16 ready-to-move SMEs: 5 national businesses, 8 local expansions or extensions, 3 start-ups – EUR 6.2 M total revenue, 21 500 m2 floor area, EUR 0.9 M annual rent
Outlined and mapped 6 circular loops
Quantified jobs and skills creations: 711 direct and indirect jobs, 16 professions; evidenced expected interactions, synergies, and materials flows
Collected quantitative and qualitative primary data via 31 hours of interviews with 33 local entrepreneurs and follow-up outreach

* ‘New National Urban Renewal Programme’, 45 sites in Greater Lille, 2,600 homes, 450,000 t demolished.

** In the lowest 0.1% and 2.5% disposable income/cap. amongst French cities (INSEE).

*** Construction waste reusing, electric appliance repairing and refurbishing, maker-space, second hand shop, thermal insulation, organic waste management, urban agriculture, green eateries, cooperative supermarket, renewables production units.

And now? (as of Sept. 2026)

Preparatory works were completed in Tourcoing in 2024, with 90% of materials recycled, and the call for projects launched straight after. Two artisan villages of 5,000 m² each are confirmed. In Roubaix, the three sites are under deconstruction or construction works, with the Blanchemaille site due for delivery in late 2026.