While traditional business parks are known for their hardscapes, Domaine Vallée Verte really stands out. This 50-acre business park located 15 minutes from downtown Marseille cultivates its differences by betting big on the verdant expanse that surrounds the 430,000 sq ft of buildings. The site was designed to promote optimal quality of life in the workplace and a sustainable, environmentally sound approach for companies that have their own ecological sensibilities. Provence Promotion and Yvan Gouchon, the developer responsible for Domaine Vallée Verte, have something in common: their desire to attract international and domestic companies to this one-of-a-kind setting.
In the land of Marcel Pagnol, on the banks of the Huveaune in Marseille, Domaine Vallée Verte is experimenting with a new business park model that has been carefully thought out to simplify life for employees who care about sustainable development.
"The human, energy and society factors are all essential because they make it possible to improve performance by offering better quality of life in the workplace," asserts Yvan Gouchon, Chairman of the YG Investissements Group. The developer who originated the concept was certain that this 50-acre oasis had vast potential, so he invested 5 million Euro to build a new access road, secure the site and create numerous services.
One of which is the private shuttle that runs several times per day between Domaine Vallée Verte and public transit connections (RTM), the SNCF station, a nursery, a concierge and dining area, a gym room and a fitness path in a 2.5-acre garden. To foster solidarity among the companies, a business club will open in June 2017 and celebrate its official launch in September.
The My Office Vallée Verte space will open its doors at the end of the year. "The 7,500 sq ft will be allotted to furnished individual offices, a coworking space and undoubtedly an incubator whose mentors will be recruited from the companies in the business park. Finally, Yvan Gouchon adds that hotel plans are currently being studied.
Marketing the new real estate project
While the four buildings totaling 430,000 sq feet are already sold out, the developer is looking into a new real estate project.
After it obtains administrative authorizations, it will boost its presence at corporate real estate trade shows (SIMI, MIPIM).
The man has discreetly rolled up his sleeves to attract companies that share his values. Overall, some 20 SMBs and large groups (Poivre Blanc, CEPAC, Veolia, etc.) already employ 1,000 people at the site. The developer plans to eventually have 5,000 employees per year.
For three years, Domaine Vallée Verte has increased its concrete actions to reduce its environmental impact. A true arsenal of initiatives is being deployed: photovoltaic panels on roofs, selective sorting in partnership with Veolia Propreté sorting and even a hot/cold energy loop being studied by EDF. Domaine Vallée Verte wears its green with pride!
Photo: Domaine Vallée Verte combines wellness and performance in 50 acres of natural greenery just east of Marseille.