The long-awaited renovation of Paris's Tour Montparnasse has been halted this week following disagreements among its numerous private co-owners. The decision came after a vote where more than three quarters of co-owners opposed the project, citing clashes over plans and pricing.
The estimated cost for the renovation, which included a significant asbestos removal operation, had more than doubled to €800m (£688m). Architects had planned a complete refit of the 210-metre structure, proposing a new glass exterior, added vegetation, a garden terrace, and an agricultural greenhouse at the top.
This vote represented the final opportunity to launch the project before its building permit expires at the end of November. Concerns have now been raised that the building, which has been emptied and closed for renovation, could remain deserted. Philippe Goujon, mayor of Paris's 15th district, expressed that he "cannot accept seeing a project that took 10 years to develop thrown away."
Four co-owners who still support a renovation, including Xavier Niel, have called for a meeting with all co-owners, financial partners, and public authorities to explore alternative solutions. Some co-owners are hopeful that a new, scaled-down project might be agreed upon.