The Renovation of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles

Renovation works at Paris expo Porte de Versailles began in May 2015. This ten-year project, which is divided into three major phases, will keep Paris at the forefront of the business tourism market.

Today, in the presence of André Santini, Députy Mayor of Issy les Moulineaux, Didier Kling, Chair of the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Christophe Cuvillier, CEO of Unibail-Rodamco, and Michel Dessolain, CEO of Viparis, announced the results of the first phase of the project and looked forward to the inauguration of the Paris Convention Centre in the autumn of 2017. When it opens, the Centre will be the largest conference complex in Europe. Jean Pistre, co-founder of the Valode & Pistre architectural agency, which is in charge of the project's master plan, was also present.

This renovation project will turn Paris expo Porte de Versailles into a key destination in the Greater Paris region for conferences and trade shows, for corporate customers and Parisians alike. The site will be a new urban space, brought to life by five renowned French architects.

Results of the first phase of the renovation (2015–2017)
After two years of work, the main entrance has been completely overhauled. The Plaza has been designed as a place to meet and relax. It is anchored by an enormous ring of LED screens 40 metres in diameter – the largest such screens in Europe. In the Services Centre, a Relay newsagent and a Monop-Daily convenience store are now open, and provide services and local products.

Paris Convention Centre, Europe's largest conference complex

On 23 November 2017, the new Pavilion 7, entirely redesigned by Valode & Pistre, will house the Paris Convention Centre, Europe's largest conference complex.

This new site, which acts as a complement the Palais des Congrès de Paris, will allow Paris to host the very largest international conferences in made-to-measure configurations. With a 5,200-seat plenary hall connected to 44,000 square metres of exhibition space, the Paris Convention Centre is already a success – several conferences involving more than 30,000 participants have reserved the venue, and large-scale events are already planned through 2022.

In the small park, the facade of Pavilion 1 is draped in a shimmering metallic mesh known as the Great Sail, the work of Dominique Perrault.

To facilitate setup and breakdown of events, and to ensure the comfort and safety of pedestrians, a new logistical zone has been created and travelators have been installed the length of the central walkway.

Each year, Viparis's business activity accounts for €1,2 billion in direct economic benefits and more than €5 billion in indirect benefits for the economy of the Greater Paris region. Moreover, the company's has invested €500 million to improve its infrastructures without any public subsidies.

Michel Dessolain, CEO of Viparis: "Our goal is for the site to become a permanent universal exposition. We want it to play a part in the cultural life of the capital, and allow France to attract conferences that it could not previously accommodate."

Didier Kling, Chair of the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry: "The Paris Convention Centre will be a crown jewel in our efforts to boost the appeal of city of Paris and the Greater Paris region. The site has been renovated, reimagined and given a new identity, and it is giving rise to the Grand Paris of conferences and trade shows. The project will generate jobs and economic benefits for the conference and trade show industry, as well as for every stakeholder in the business tourism sector."

Christophe Cuvillier, CEO of Unibail-Rodamco: "We are thrilled with what has been achieved during the first phase of the renovation project at Paris expo Porte de Versailles and look forward to the upcoming inauguration of the Paris Convention Centre – a perfect reflection of our company's skills and know-how. This investment will put Paris in the forefront of the business tourism sector, and will boost the capital's reputation and appeal."

www.unibail-rodamco.com