The Paris’ Gare du Nord will triple in size by 2024, just in time for the 2024 Olympics, held in Paris. The architect Denis Valode will lead a huge transformation, as major as the operation conducted by the architect Hittorff in 1864.
The new departure terminal reinterprets the famous 19th century Haussmanian concept of the “passage parisien”, a gallery 18 meters tall by 300 meters wide offering a vast array of railway, intermodal and commercial services. The focus of this project on every day buses and trains is as important as the pivotal role given to long distance trains.
The most symbolic transformation is the adaptation of the station to accommodate the modern evolution of sports activities, by proposing for the first time in France a 1km track across Parisian roofs, alongside public cloakrooms and diverse sports facilities.
The new Paris Gare du Nord, open to the public by mid-2023, will resemble in many ways St Pancreas station, based in London. The project involves many experts from the SNCF team and represents a major advancement for 700 000 daily commuters and high speed rail passengers transiting through the largest European train station
Guillaume Pepy, President of SNCF
The new Gare du Nord will set an environment-friendly example, offering public green spaces and ecological energy production. The design, construction and exploitation of the station will respect strict environmental regulations and standards. The whole project, named Horizon 2024, will cost about 50 million euros.
What to expect?
The current building will be preserved while adapting it to modern day needs. There will be extra waiting room in the main hall, more information panels (very handy indeed if you want to catch your train) and more stairs to make sure everyone can get around fluently. And yes, there will be a café again where you’ll be able to enjoy a drink to make time fly bye while waiting for your connection.
With its cultural and sports facilities, its co-working spaces, its shops and its green spaces, Paris Gare du Nord station will become a shared space with a bustling, lively community.
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris
Instead of the current and aforementioned travel hustle in front of the station, there will only be room for buses and bikes – and there’s talk of a covered area, including rooftop terraces and boutiques. Lastly, on the side of the station, there’ll be a bike parking with surveillance and even a place to repair your bike if it breaks down. By April 2024, all should be done.
