Marseille: international ambitions
Recognized as the fifth largest metropolis in the world in terms of digital connection, Marseille is resolutely showing a desire for international development. Boosted by the health crisis, the Marseille economy capitalizes on many strengths. Meeting with Jean-Luc Chauvin , who has just been re-elected President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence CCI.
What are the strengths of the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis for international development?
Marseille occupies a strategic position in the South of France. We have an extremely interesting airport and rail infrastructure. Marseille and Aix each have a TGV station and the international airport puts Paris at 1h15 from us!
Marseille also maintains special relations with Africa, which is relatively close geographically. We have already created Africa Link , a business community in Aix-Marseille that trades with Africa. Today, 180 French structures interact with African companies, spread across English-speaking and French-speaking countries. But we want to go further by founding the House of Africa , afric’agora. The latter’s mission will be to further develop relations between the metropolis and Africa.
The metropolis of Marseille-Provence is also recognized for its significant strike force in Data Centers. She has important digital cables that connect her to the world. We will therefore capitalize on this advantage to allow VSEs and SMEs to be better trained in artificial intelligence. To do this, last July we created an Artificial Intelligence laboratory in partnership with large international groups (Microsoft, IBM, Sopra-Stéria, etc.) and the University of Aix-Marseille. It is indeed vital that business leaders perceive all the interest and potential of artificial intelligence, at their level.
Finally, our metropolis is the seat of the global ITER project , bringing together 35 countries. Our significant amount of sunshine makes our metropolis an ideal place for the installation of photovoltaic parks, for example. Other projects, such as offshore wind turbines or hydraulics, with the proximity of the Durance, will also be able to be undertaken. We are in third place in the ranking of industrial companies in the South of France. Through these projects, we intend to consolidate this position, and even optimize it!
From a real estate point of view, is the attractiveness of the metropolis confirmed?
Real estate in Aix and Marseille undeniably accuses the “post COVID effects”. Here again, our fifth place among connected metropolises plays a big role. Thus, we have seen an influx of Parisian executives or young graduates, living in Paris or in major international metropolises, questioning their life choices. They realized, thanks to telework, that another life was possible. Thanks to our developed rail network and our international airport, their journeys are as fluid as in Paris. They have organized their pace of work in such a way as to rationalize their movements and thus, enjoy a quality of life unthinkable for them before. Some young graduates have not hesitated to set up their businesses in Marseille either, which of course optimizes the attractiveness of our metropolis.
This has a direct impact on real estate. Most Marseille residents, living in the city center, in apartments, suffered a lot during the first confinement. They are now more than ever looking for a house with a garden. But, as the heads of companies, and even the young graduates, eager to create their families, have the same wish, this becomes the most wanted good! And this, not only in Marseille, on the outskirts, and in Aix-en-Provence. But also in Aubagne, La Ciotat, or even on the other side of the Etang de Berre. It is becoming a rare commodity that is being snapped up at a high price.
A situation which is far from satisfactory. Of course, households bear this pressure. But also employers, who will have no choice but to ask their employees to always live a little further from their workplace. We should not lose quality of life because of a housing shortage. Shortage reinforced by the cruel lack of new constructions. The Marseille municipality having long blocked the issuance of building permits.
What about professional real estate? Is the trend also towards dynamism?
Overall, yes. We had a very good first half of 2021. The performance is comparable to that of 2019. And the attractiveness is confirmed. On the other hand, for the moment, we have not noted any massive relocations of companies, in favor of smaller offices. Many people predicted it, because of telecommuting. But it may be too early to draw any conclusions.
As for shops in the city center, the situation is more contrasted. Some have been in trouble. But the arrival of international brands, particularly in emblematic streets such as rue Saint-Férréol, fully contributes to their revitalization.
What advice could you give to individuals wishing to invest in Aix or Marseille?
I will tell them not to wait too long because the metropolis is more than ever a victim of its success! All operations can be interesting, whether it is the purchase of a primary or secondary residence, or a rental investment. The rates are still attractive and, under penalty of having to witness a constant bidding up, the best time is now!
Stephanie Buitekant
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