Any question ?

What is a call for ideas?

A call for ideas permits suggestions for the reuse of all or part of the site to be elicited from a variety of economic and cultural actors . The aim is to encourage the emergence of one or several economically viable conversion projects which would enhance the site and generate activity.

The intention behind a call for ideas is not to select an acquirer or buyer. The ideas may eventually lead to an invitation to tender or call for proposal(s). This is not a binding procedure.

Could there possibly be multiple operators on the site?

At the call for ideas stage, this possibility is not excluded.

Can submitted dossiers group multiple operators together?

Yes, candidates can participate alone or in a team of associates with complementary skills.

What are the operating constraints of the site?

An emphyteutic lease was signed with the Clairvaux Abbey Renaissance association with regard to the Hostellerie des Dames site.

In addition, some buildings are protected as “Historic Monuments” or protected under the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. The site currently has 36 buildings that are listed as classified or registered historic monuments. All other buildings are located near these monuments. The entire area of both small and large Clairvaux, demarcated by the perimeter wall, is listed as a registered Historic Monument while the wall itself is listed as classified.

Work on classified buildings is subject to a work permit under the Heritage Code issued by the regional Prefect after instruction by the State departments responsible for Historic Monuments.

Work on registered buildings is subject to planning permission (a building permit, in particular), in accordance with the heritage and urban planning codes, after instruction by the State departments responsible for historic monuments and agreement of the regional Prefect.

Finally, the cultural component currently coexists with a prison operation at the Clairvaux penitentiary center, which is scheduled to close by the end of 2022.

How soon can surveying and works begin?

Surveying and works will not be able to begin within the framework of the call for ideas nor before the end of prison activity announced for the end of 2022.

Must I come to visit?

Visits are not mandatory. However, visits are organized as part of the call for ideas. A form is available at the following address:  https://clairvaux2022.fr/

 

In addition, the Clairvaux Abbey Renaissance Association at the site organizes daily tours on site of the buildings open to the public.

I am an operator and wish to visit the premises. How do I do it?

Those interested in an on-site visit must complete a contact form available at the following address:  https://clairvaux2022.fr/  .

The request must be made in writing at least 15 days in advance, and must include proof of identity of the applicant and any accompanying persons.

The calendar for visits, to be conducted in small groups, is described in the consultation rules.

Can we build on the site of Clairvaux Abbey?

YES, BUT

The classification of the terrain as a historical monument must be taken into account. The archaeological stakes inherent to the entire site are very significant given the large number of buildings and the succession of alterations undertaken since the 12th century.

 

New constructions on the site, or facilities that require scouring, are subject to an archeological diagnostic prescription. Depending on the results, the State may prescribe an excavation in order to examine and document any remains before work can be carried out. Depending on the archaeological and historical significance of any discoveries, the State may call for conservation.

Can buildings be demolished?

YES, BUT

Only buildings that are not listed as registered or classified historic monuments can potentially be demolished. In addition, demolition work on buildings or kiosks located near historic monuments are subject to planning permission following agreement from the architectural review board (Architecte des Bâtiments de France).

Can we carry out construction work?

YES, BUT

1/Work on classified buildings is subject to a work authorization under the Heritage Code issued by the regional Prefect after instruction by the State departments responsible for historic monuments.

 

2/Works on registered buildings are subject to planning permission (a building permit, in particular), in accordance with the heritage and urban planning codes, after instruction by the State departments responsible for historic monuments and agreement of the regional Prefect.

 

3/Restoration or demolition work on buildings or kiosks located near historic monuments are subject to planning permission following agreement from the architectural review board (Architecte des Bâtiments de France).

Can the proposed idea be exempted from the Local Urbanism Plan and/or specific regulations?

The ideas will obviously have to comply with the urban planning documents in force (Local Town Planning Plan, Historic Monuments listing).

How do I submit my idea(s)?

The first step is preregistration on the website. The information requested is intended to demonstrate each candidate’s seriousness and determination in developing an innovative idea.

Preregistration provides access to the data room (database) upon receipt of the confidentiality agreement. The candidate can then visit the property if he or she wishes and deposit his or her idea in the dossier as requested in the consultation rules.

Can dossiers be sent by post?

Yes. Dossiers must be submitted on paper in triplicate, dated and signed, and accompanied by a CD Rom and/or USB key that includes the files of all documents, including annexes, in PDF format. The dossiers must be sent by post in the form of a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt.

In which language should the documents of the call for ideas be delivered?

The documents of the call for ideas must be delivered exclusively in French.

What is the deadline for sending the application?

Candidates have until Arpil 15, 2020 to send in their application.

When and how will the chosen idea(s) be selected?

The dossiers will be examined by a commission created for the call for ideas.

The commission reserves the right to interview certain candidates to ask for clarification regarding their idea.

The result of the selection of the idea/ideas will be published in May 2020.

Who is on the selection board?

Chaired by the Prefect of Aube or his representative, it includes a dozen members:

  • The sub-prefect of Bar-sur-Aube, or her representative,
  • The SGARE (General Secretary of Regional and European Affairs) of the prefecture of the Grand-Est region or his representative,
  • 1 representative of the Directorate of State Property,
  • 1 representative of the departmental directorate of Aube public finances,
  • 1 representative of the DRAC (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs),
  • 1 representative of the penitentiary administration,
  • 1 representative of the departmental committee of tourism,
  • 1 representative of the Troyes CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry),
  • 1 representative of the commune of Ville-sous-la-Ferté,
  • 1 representative of the CC (Community of Communes) of the Bar-sur-Aube Region,
  • 1 representative of the departmental Council
  • 1 representative of the regional Council