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In Pictures: What Paris Gare du Nord will look like in the future

The Local France
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In Pictures: What Paris Gare du Nord will look like in the future
Shops and services will take their place on the upper floors. Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF

The infamous Gare du Nord in Paris is set for a huge makeover, after plans for a revamp were given the green light. Here's what it will look like in the future according to initial plans.

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The Gare du Nord is the busiest train station in Europe, with some 700,000 passengers passing through daily.
 
It has often been criticized as being over-crowded, confusing and dangerous, most famously by John Lewis managing director Andy Street, who provoked the ire of French officials by calling it "the squalor pit of Europe" in 2014.
 
What’s more, the Gare du Nord is oftentimes the initial glimpse of Paris visitors arriving from the north have, giving a grim first impression of an otherwise beautiful city. 
 
 
 
A projection of how the Gare du Nord will look from its main Rue de Dunkerque entrance.  Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 
Since a major renovation project was announced in 2015, several projections have been released and local residents have been consulted with the aim of creating a station in harmony with the 10th arrondissement where it is located.
 

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A projection of what the renovated Gare du Nord should look like from the air to the south  Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 
The €600 million construction project was originally slated to be completed in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024, but it's not sure if it will be possible to keep to that timetable.
 
 
Aerial view from the north showing the planned rooftop terrace. Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 
The renovated Gare du Nord will be significantly expanded, increasing commercial areas from 10,000 square meters to 45,000 square meters and adding 4,000 square meters of green space. The project is intended to improve the flow of traffic and offer more services to local residents as well as commuters, including a post office, a library, co-working spaces, and a rooftop terrace. 
 
 
A 1 km track, to be operated by a private gym, will run along the rooftop. Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 
 
 
 
A projected cross-section of the new east wing of the Gare du Nord. Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 
 
Trains will continue to arrive in the historic west wing of the station. Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 
 
Departing passengers will enter the east wing, while arriving passengers will exit on the west. Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 
 
The bus station, on the eastern facade. Photo: Semop gare du nord/Denis Valode architecture/atelier d’architecture SNCF
 

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