Gironde: in Saint-Loubès, a dialogue of the deaf under the Dome between elected officials, residents and cultural actors

Faced with actors from the cultural world, Loubesians or residents of the surrounding area who were mostly hostile, Antoine de Tournemire concluded this meeting of more than two hours in a vacuum, the bulk of the troops escaping from the room without a last glance. “We are on two different planets,” the councilor sometimes said: one of the rare sentences of the evening, ultimately shared by everyone.

300 people present

Not sure that the municipal majority anticipated such enthusiasm. It was necessary to add chairs and chairs to seat a good part of the 300 people present, many of whom hoped to participate in a consultation. It was a presentation. In front of his camp and some visuals, the boss of the Loubès executive detailed his plan to “prepare for the future”, “reinvest in the Coupole, a place at the service of culture”, which he partly announced to “South West”. » a few days ago: the “necessary” security work (smoke extraction system, fireproofing of armchairs…), waterproofing, beautification (hall and exterior greening) or “The casters of the grandstand need to be redone.” The project must begin this summer and continue until next spring with the “commitment” of delivery for June 2027.

But why this urgency when the site received a favorable opinion from the security commission?

In the room, everyone agrees on one point: the Dome, 35 years old, deserves a serious facelift. But why this urgency when the site received a favorable opinion from the security commission, wonders a member of the Observatory for Creative Freedom. Antoine de Tournemire justifies his intentions by a window which opens in the municipal accounts: the savings made during the interlude of the municipal campaign at the start of the year and those which will result from a “white” cultural season must be able to finance, in part, the construction site without recourse to borrowing.

No public service delegation

What about sequencing the work to ensure programming so as not to penalize artists and companies? “A sequenced project would be 40% more expensive and there would be a risk of seeing shows cancelled,” replies the mayor. Without convincing. The numerous requests for a referendum on the subject or a time for reflection are kindly dismissed or ignored.