Lyon Confluence

Lyon Confluence is a pioneering urban regeneration project and one of Europe’s largest sustainable development zones, transforming a 150-hectare former industrial and logistics wasteland at the tip of the Presqu’île. As a flagship project of the Métropole de Lyon, its mission is to extend Lyon’s city centre by creating a new, dense, mixed-use eco-district that serves as an international benchmark for post-industrial urban renewal and ecological transition.

Strategically located near Lyon Part-Dieu and Perrache train stations, the district connects seamlessly to the city center via tram lines (T1 and T2), metro, and riverfront cycling routes. It covers 150 hectares and aims to double the size of the city center without increasing greenhouse gas emissions. It has become a touchstone for European sustainable urbanism and serves as a model for future city developments aiming to balance growth with ecological and social resilience.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

Confluence is firmly committed to high environmental quality (HQE) standards, driving towards zero-carbon objectives and the ambitious long-term goal of Zero Energy by 2030 for the entire district. It is aiming for positive energy balance (BEPOS). The first phase was certified EcoQuartier and Label BiodiverCity. Key features include a stormwater management system that treats 100% of rainwater via phytoremediation, a ban on fossil fuels for heating, and the preservation of 10 hectares of natural areas, creating a “productive” agricultural park within the city.

Smart City

The district operates as a comprehensive smart energy demonstrator powered by an advanced digital infrastructure. Its core is the Confluence Monitoring System (CMS), which uses IoT sensors to track real-time data on energy, heating, and air quality. This technology enables Positive Energy Buildings (PEB) like Hikari to generate energy surpluses and integrates BEMS/HEMS for efficient control. Furthermore, residents use digital tablets for real-time energy monitoring and the district has pioneered smart mobility with an EV car-sharing system.

Human-Centric

The Human-centric model prioritizes quality of life through inclusive governance, utilizing a 4P participatory approach and the Urban Living Lab for citizens to co-design smart solutions. The masterplan enforces a strong social mix, integrating required percentages of social and first-time buyer housing. The design promotes a walkable city with five kilometers of riverside promenades, supported by dense public transport. Long-term stewardship of these goals is managed by SPL Lyon Confluence.

Interesting Links

Links to external websites and video features available for cities and developments that apply and are accepted as Official Participants: click here to apply