In Lille, A26 transforms a former bank into a high-end hotel

The head office of the Scalbert-Dupont bank is about to be given a new lease of life. Located in the heart of downtown Lille, this historic building is being converted by the Hospitality division into an 88-room luxury hotel for the Oceania Hotels group.

A NEW DESTINATION FOR LILLE'S LANDMARK BUILDING

Completed in 1929 by architect Jean Delrue, the head office of the Scalbert-Dupont bank is about to be restored to its former glory. "This is an iconic building of the Art Deco movement", explains Laurence Goardon, the architect in charge of the project, "the ironwork on the staircases and balconies, the large glass roof in the lobby, the high ceilings... All these elements will be preserved, and even highlighted".

A26 also worked closely with the Architecte des Bâtiments de France to restore the building's typical Lille architectural features. The structures installed on the façade in the 1960s will be removed to reveal the original bricks and ashlar.

The interior of the building will be completely transformed and reconfigured to accommodate 88 rooms and suites, with the historic grand hall becoming an exceptional convivial space open to the people of Lille, in the middle of which a large brass and green marble bar is planned. Lounge lounges and coworking rooms complete the offer. But the centerpiece of the new Oceania Lille les Augustins hotel is hidden in the basement.

FORMER VAULT CONVERTED INTO SWIMMING POOL

"The vault is a timeless space that will become the signature of the establishment," says Laurence Goardon, "and itwas an obvious choice to locate the pool and wellness area here, to create a unique universe.

The conversion of the site was facilitated by its original purpose, as the architect explains: "During our studies, we discovered that the vault was surrounded by a gallery. This water-filled structure protected the vault from intruders: all the guards had to do was keep an eye on the water level and they would be alerted as soon as a tunnel pierced the gallery. This infrastructure provided all the necessary connections to the water space in a very dense basement. We always seek to transform constraints into opportunities, and this project is a perfect example of our approach".

To preserve the ambience of the place, the safes will be displayed like luxury jewels with historic 'Fichet' padlocks. A special moment for hotel guests.

A wellness area will be set up around the swimming pool and will complete the establishment's offer. Guests can enjoy a spa, sauna, fitness room and massage salon.

A PARTICULARLY VIRTUOUS OPERATION

At a time when we are striving to reduce the use of land and the artificialization of soils, this is a particularly exemplary project. "By converting the 4,500 m2 of the former Scalbert-Dupont head office, we have given it a new lease of life. This metamorphosis enables us to meet new needs, without building additional space, and to contribute to the attractiveness of downtown Lille", says Laurence Goardon.

The Oceania Lille Les Augustins hotel also embodies a new type of destination, as Rozenn Branellec Dumon, Oceania's General Manager, explains: "The building's history, architecture and location naturally led us to work on this project around the theme of banking. From colors to materials, fixtures and furnishings, everything was thought through to the smallest detail to give this new living space that little extra soul that is our DNA. As with all our renovations in exceptional locations, the 4* Hôtel & Spa Oceania Les Augustins will be much more than just a hotel, it will be a place where hotel guests, residents of Lille and other tourists can enjoy an unforgettable experience".

Laurence Goardon continues: "Today, we no longer go to a hotel for one function, one use, one need. It's a living space that opens up to different temporalities: we work there, we meet for leisure and business, with friends and family. More than just a hotel, it's hospitality"..

MEDIA CONTACT

Hâ-Hâ & Associés
Maxence Challut - maxence.challut@ha-ha.fr - 06 40 78 86 19