Not included in the port precinct when GPMDLR was created in 2013, the “Engineers’ Houses (Maisons des Ingénieurs)” sector was the focus of numerous discussions between the State, Le Port municipality, and GPMDLR until the State put it up for sale last year.
In September 2020, Eric Legrigeois, Chair of GPMDLR’s Executive Board, signed the deed of sale, thus setting in motion the site renovation project.
Due to their cultural legacy and historical interest, three engineers’ houses will be restored to their original state. The fourth house, initially used as staff accommodation, has been considerably altered over the years, and will be partially demolished, although some of the original walls will be preserved as part of a new construction project.
Ultimately the site will house GPMDLR’s head office as well as a special “Port Centre”: a reception and information point for the general public.
These initiatives are all part of Port Reunion’s policy to be more accessible to the local population. In consultation with the municipality of Le Port, they complement the community project “Les Portes de l’Océan”.
Well aware of the interest of the local population – especially inhabitants of Le Port – in the future of these buildings, it seemed fitting to install a signboard at the site, depicting what it will look like once renovated. This board is located along Rue Amiral Bosse, in the courtyard of one of the houses. It will be visible to users and local residents who use the port road.
Following a Supervisory Board meeting on 11 March the signboard was officially unveiled during a small ceremony in the presence of Olivier Hoarau, Chair of the Supervisory Board and Mayor of Le Port, Jacques Billant, Prefect of Reunion Island, Emmanuel Seraphin, Chair of the TCO, Eric Legrigeois, Chair of the Executive Board, and other administrators.