Near Nice, a former prison will house student accommodation IN PRISON! Opened in 1847 for 72 inmates and eighteen guards, abandoned in 1992, the former Grasse remand center was bought by a promoter.
Sold in 2017 by the State to individuals, who had made it an event venue, the former Grasse prison has again changed hands to offer itself an even more surprising third life.
A total of 77 student accommodations from 14 m2 to 23 m2, spread over two buildings, are to be inaugurated there at the end of 2024.
Lock them up! New student housing in an old prison
In recent years, the municipality of Grasse has launched the bet to take a student turn in the capital of perfume, where a campus was recently opened in the old courthouse of the city.
The faded walls, the imposing doors with peepholes, and their locks set the tone. Here, we are in prison. An old prison.
The former Grasse remand center, in fact, opened in 1847 for 72 prisoners and eighteen guards and was abandoned in 1992. Sold in 2017 by the State to individuals, who had made it an event venue, this 1,700 m2 has again changed hands to offer themselves a third life. Even more surprising. By the end of next year, a student residence should be inaugurated there.
Néo campus, that’s its name, will offer 77 apartments from 14 m2 to 23 m2 spread over two buildings. A first, existing and rehabilitated around its central nave, which housed the prison for men. The second, new, will be erected in accordance with “the requirements of the architects of the buildings of France” in “the deconstructed part” of the premises, formerly reserved for female prisoners.
A University shift for the capital of perfume
The complex adjoins the former courthouse, also recently transformed… into a teaching building with two amphitheaters, including one with 120 seats, and fourteen classrooms. In recent years, the municipality has indeed launched the bet to make the capital of perfume take a student turn. This university residence project will come full circle as the city hopes to welcome 1,000 students in 2024.
Those who get accommodation there (with rents between 500 and 700 euros per month) will be entitled to “a singular universe” and “bewitching” still promise the promoters. A place steeped in history but which will be much more welcoming than during the century and a half when it served as a prison. “Relaxation areas designed to promote well-being”, “guinguette-style gardens” and a “connected laundry service” are notably included in the equation.
The former prison transformed into a residence for students in Grasse is a great investment project. Pricing for a unit is around 150,000 euro. Rental income is between 500 and 700 euros. Work has begun to transform the former penitentiary center into a real campus. Ready in 2024. Contact us for more info.
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