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Paris La Défense construction site news

Coupole center

Aug 10, 2020 - Dec 31, 2021

Asbestos removal work

Paris la Défense has commissioned a works company to carry out an asbestos removal operation on the former "La Coupole" shopping centre.

The work area includes two basement levels, the one where the shops were located, and the one made up of reserves and technical premises. Nearly 11,255 m² will be subject to asbestos removal work starting in mid-August 2020. The area near the homes is scheduled for completion in July 2021. All of the asbestos removal work will be completed in December 2021 according to a provisional schedule. The aim is also to clean up the last non-active networks and to install new flockings that comply with the regulations in order to ensure the fire resistance of the structures.

Site hours: Monday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm / Tuesday to Thursday +1 Friday out of 2 from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

These works do not present any risks for local residents. Throughout the works, the pedestrian access corridor will be maintained and totally protected from the rest of the site (see plan below)

Progress report on the asbestos removal work in progress

In accordance with the law and in order to prevent the emission of these fibres into the ambient air during the operations, the NEOM company in charge of the work for Paris La Défense, uses appropriate methods and equipment, including in particular the confinement of the site under hermetic tarpaulins.

We would like to inform you that from April onwards, the asbestos removal work will require the operation of a continuous ventilation system. This is a regulatory and compulsory installation that allows the containment areas to be put under pressure and thus ensures the perfect safety of the workers on the site and of the local residents. In the event of an accidental rupture of the containment, this device ensures that no pollution leaves the work site. You will find the location of the vents overleaf.

An initial test was carried out at the beginning of April and led the works team to add additional noise reduction devices.

These additional noise reduction devices consist of full-height acoustic tarpaulins installed on the sides facing the residences, and sound traps installed directly on the air extractors. This extensive equipment will ensure a significant reduction in the noise generated by the site installations.

To ensure their effectiveness, we have installed an additional acoustic probe to measure the noise from the nearest house.

A new test, prior to the start of the works, will take place from Wednesday 16 June and will include one night.

We are aware of the inconvenience that these installations can cause, but we are confident that the additional solutions implemented will be effective.

This will be a regular, monotonous ventilation sound, not a peak or burst of noise. The walls of the site fences will be screwed down to limit the vibration caused by the wind. These site fences are also an additional safety element for local residents, as they protect the installations and the hermetic containment that has been put in place.

Finally, we would like to point out that we accompany our construction site with an acoustic control that allows us to identify any unforeseen noise overruns and to call the company to order in the event of a breach.

Location of construction sites and ventilation systems

Did you know?

In 2020, 95% of the waste from this site (excluding asbestos) was recycled, i.e. more than 100 tonnes recovered!

  • 45 tons of scrap metal were reused for the activities of steelworks, steel mills and foundries;
  • 40 tonnes of inert demolition rubble were reused as backfill;
  • 19 tonnes of miscellaneous waste (wood, plastic, plaster, glass, paper, cardboard, etc.) were sent to sorting centres to be recycled in specific sectors.