Paris La Défense ranked 4th most attractive district in the world

Last May, the audit and consulting firm EY, in partnership with the international association ULI (Urban Land Institute) and the GBD Innovation Club, published a study on the attractiveness of international business districts. This study places Paris La Défense in 4th position out of the 21 territories analysed. Urban environment, adapted and innovative real estate offer, ability to attract talent, the business district remains at the top of the list alongside London, New York and Tokyo.

Resilient and competitive, Paris La Défense strengthens its attractiveness

Over the years, the business district has transformed itself into a real place to live and confirms its potential on the podium of attractiveness. The best ranking is obtained on the real estate dynamic (Paris La Défense is positioned on the 1st market worldwide) and the proximity of markets, clients and partners (1st European place, ahead of the City of London), thanks to consolidated assets:

  • The very important presence of international companies;
  • The multitude of investments and new constructions;
  • The competitive and innovative real estate offer;
  • The diversity of public transport and the greenery of the district.

As the land area available for future development is becoming increasingly scarce among its American competitors, Paris La Défense is ahead of the pack in this index. The renewal of its real estate portfolio continues this year, with the delivery of the Trinity, Alto and Saint-Gobain towers.

Focus on sustainable development, a battle won

The authors of the study make five key observations:

  • Concentration of talent, business efficiency and connectivity are fundamental assets of international business districts
  • Putting the environment first is an obligation to attract talent and tenants
  • Changing work patterns and the focus on well-being could affect the economic prospects of business districts.
  • The global risks facing cities and business districts call for strategies for collaboration and collective resilience
  • In the long term, business districts will need to become inclusive urban destinations, beyond concentrations of office space.

The environmental issue tends to become a key element of the development strategy to attract young talent. It involves greening public spaces, managing resources (water, energy, etc.) and providing access to a variety of means of transport, particularly soft mobility. Second in the environmental performance rankings, behind Frankfurt and ahead of Amsterdam and London, Paris La Défense reaffirms its willingness to take a turn in favour of the sustainable development of the district.

France is establishing its leadership in the race for attractiveness

In carrying out the study, EY relied on the Global Business Districts Innovation Club to be put in touch with the various players in the business districts. The GBD Innovation Club is an ecosystem that aims to bring together a wide range of stakeholders who contribute to the attractiveness of business districts through cooperation, knowledge sharing and inspiring methods. The Club members from all over the world are :

  • Paris La Défense;
  • Chicago Loop Alliance;
  • East Cut San Francisco;
  • Beijing CBD;
  • Guangzhou Tianhe CBD;
  • Montreal Destination Centre-Ville;
  • MIBC Moscow City;
  • Marunouchi, Tokyo;
  • Casa Anfa, Casablanca.

Also in May, another EY study revealed that France had won first place among the most attractive European countries in terms of foreign investment, ahead of the United Kingdom and Germany.

Find out more about the attractiveness of international business districts in the 2020 EY and ULI study on the attractiveness of international business districts

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