Living soil: from urban renewal to integration through economic activity.

Toulouse Métropole aims to participate in the HORIZON-NEB call as a pilot site for experimentation, through the project « Living Soil – Experimenting inclusive and circular urban regeneration in transition neighbourhoods”.  

The project proposes an integrated approach to the transformation of vacant and underutilised urban spaces located in neighbourhoods undergoing major regeneration processes. 

It focuses on several sites in priority neighbourhoods of Toulouse (Grand Mirail: Reynerie, Bellefontaine, Tabar), characterised by ongoing demolition and reconstruction, generating strategic land availability. 

The objective is to transform brownfield sites into temporary and permanent public spaces, anticipating future uses while addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. 

The project aligns with NEB values by combining: 

• Sustainability (soil regeneration, biodiversity) 

• Inclusion (citizen participation, gender-sensitive design) 

• Aesthetics and quality of life 

It adopts a systemic and experimental approach, linking all phases of urban regeneration, from demolition to long-term management. 

 The project is structured around three main pillars: 

1. Ecological soil regeneration 

• Restoration of soil quality and biodiversity 

• Deployment of nature-based solutions 

• Testing reversible and low-impact urban design approaches 

 2. Inclusive and participatory public spaces 

• Co-design and co-management with residents 

• Gender-sensitive and inclusive design (focus on women and families) 

• Temporary urbanism and activation of spaces 

 3. Circular economy and social inclusion 

• Creation of a local construction materials reuse hub 

• Development of reuse value chains 

• Participatory worksites supporting inclusive employment pathways 

 In addition, the project will: 

• Develop a methodology for replication at EU level 

• Ensure strong stakeholder engagement and co-governance