The project consists of expanding the premises of the Emmaüs Défi integration organisation in Paris, from an operational surface area of 3,000 m2 to a logistical base of 5,500 m2. This expansion will make it possible to accommodate new activities and improve working conditions for employees.
Expanding Emmaüs Défi premises in Paris to help reduce severe social exclusion
- 18 September 2019
As an integration organisation, Emmaüs Défi seeks to accommodate as many employees as possible in the integration process, while improving the quality of their overall support and working conditions. The new developments carried out within this project are a significant step in this direction, with new and larger workshops designed to meet the specific needs of employees.
"As an integration organisation, Emmaüs Défi seeks to accommodate as many employees as possible in the integration process, while improving the quality of their overall support and working conditions. The new developments under this project are a significant step in this direction, with new and larger workshops.
Moreover, as a major player in return to employment for Parisians, Emmaüs Défi needs an area sufficiently large and well-adapted in order to successfully carry out its collection, sorting, recovery and resale of second-hand goods. The main limitation to the growth of this activity has been the lack of space. Thus, the extension project has been designed to spread more widely the concept of reuse; an economically and environmentally responsible practice.
Marché Riquet investment
Emmaüs Défi has a large shop located at 40 rue Riquet in Paris’ 19th arrondissement. In 2010, the City of Paris proposed the former Marché Riquet a 3,600 m2 space, with a lease valid until 2037. After two years of construction, the site reopened in 2012, with a team of 80 people. Logistics, sorting and sales activities could all now be performed at the same location.
Until recently, around 500 m2 remained unused in the basement, and more than 5,000 m2 remained unused on levels -2 and -3. In 2017, an initial phase of extension work began on the site. This involved the creation of 156 m2 mezzanine-level offices and the reorganisation of areas on the ground floor, including an extension of the sales area and the expansion of the basement floor to create new sorting and restoration areas, Emmaüs Défi has also invested in operational materials to develop the new workshops and support the logistical activity.
Improved work conditions
The underground workshops on level -1 were completed in April 2018. Employees were able to move into the premises to and begin sorting textiles, household appliances, books, dishes, bargain items, trinkets and toys. The new premises represent a significant increase in space and enable a more functional management of incoming and outgoing flows. New lighting fixtures also help the employees carry out their sorting work. An air handling unit has been installed to make the air in the premises healthier and easier to breathe because the dust brought in by second-hand objects can become irritating.New cloakrooms and toilets have also been built. Thus, working conditions have been improved.
A complete reorganisation of the spaces
Following the relocation of the workshops to the basement, the work on the ground floor level could be started. This work led to the creation of around 150 m2 of new mezzanine offices, above the sales room. The former electronics workshop had moved to level -1, leaving space for a new workshop with space and storage suitable for woodwork activities.
By moving the workshops from the ground floor to level -1, the Bric-à-Brac sales area was expanded from 950 m² to 1,200 m². The sales areas have been redesigned to facilitate the movement of customers within the shop. The show apartment of the Banque Solidaire de l'Equipement has also been renovated and the coffee area has been relocated.
The installation of lifts allows a better management of movement between level -1 and the ground floor. It also provides people with disabilities access to the building.
With more than 5,500 m², the Emmaüs Défi's premises in Riquet are now the largest reusage platform in Paris. With a sales area of more than 1,200 m², this place is home to the largest second hand shop in Paris.
Total investment and European funding
Total investment for the project ‘Creation of a re-employment base and diversification of Emmaüs Défi's activities for a significant impact in the fight against severe social exclusion’ is EUR 2 877 907; the European Regional Development Fund contribution is EUR 900 000 through the ‘ERDF/ESF Île-de-France and Seine ’ cooperation programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority of “social inclusion”.