Press Releases
France Bleu Orléans
March 19, 2024
In Marigny-les-Usages, an Ecopark is emerging to accommodate small businesses
The construction site doesn't go unnoticed: at the entrance of Marigny-les-Usages, two immense warehouses are emerging from the ground. These are industrial premises, which will be available for rent to artisans and SMEs. However, with a particularity, the site aims to be eco-friendly.
The concept of "Ecopark" was launched in 2013 in Bordeaux by Laurent Challet. This entrepreneur purchases land, constructs warehouses, and then rents out the premises. His unique selling point is creating an eco-friendly and energy-efficient site. " I can't say that I'm ecological since these are new constructions. But, I am eco-responsible.".
An energy self-sufficient business park
The Ecopark of Marigny will be the 6th in France, spanning over 2.4 hectares and comprising 28 flex spaces with a total area of 6,400 square meters, equipped with dozens of photovoltaic panels on the roofs. "We will produce up to two gigawatt-hours per year on-site. This will provide electricity free of charge to the tenants as well as to the common areas," explains Laurent Challet. This production will also power around forty electric vehicle charging stations, four of which will be open to the public. "We will even have a surplus that will be able to supply homes in the surrounding area, possibly extending as far as the Marigny-les-Usages town hall".
The construction of this Ecopark represents an investment of 12 million euros. To make it profitable, we obviously need to find tenants with a rent of 83 euros per square meter per year. "We know that in all major urban areas, such as Orléans, there are companies and artisans looking for this type of turnkey and highly modular premises with ceilings up to eight meters. It's even more attractive for them when operating costs are reduced" insists the founder of Ecopark.
"It will create a beautiful entrance to the city and it meets a need" commented the mayor of Marigny-les-Usages
Up to now, six out of the 28 available flex spaces are already reserved. Meïssa Nicolas just launched her catering business in Boigny-sur-Bionne and she plans to move into the Ecopark starting in September. "For now, I cook at home. But, I want to expand, and this was a good opportunity. The setting is nice, there will be other businesses next to mine, and on top of that, we won't have to pay for electricity.".
For the mayor of the town, Philippe Beaumont, The arrival of this Ecopark is definitely a good thing. "We were very careful about this site, which is just a few meters from the Charbonnière forest. But today, we are reassured. It will create a beautiful entrance to the municipality and truly meets the needs of young entrepreneurs looking for affordable premises to start their businesses." The construction, which began last September, is expected to be completed this summer. The first tenants will take possession of the premises at the end of August or the beginning of September.
Patricia Pourrez