© Joel Capillaire
With its massive trees , a peaceful lakeside setting and its period buildings converted into modern office spaces , the Beau Plan Business Park ’ s saga has begun . There ’ s already a friendly atmosphere as visiting professionals mingle with colleagues enjoying a break in the cafeteria and passers-by come to shop in La Redoute ’ s new showroom . Nearby , business people and tourists rub shoulders in La Fangourin , some after a visit to L ’ Aventure du Sucre , others between business meetings .
Our ride continues towards the Creative Park where a yoga session is taking place , a tango can be heard at The Studio Dance School and a drama workshop is being held in the Workshop . Note to ourselves : check out what classes are available after our trip around and go to see Patrick Mavros ’ shop – Beau Plan ’ s former foundry converted into a jewellery shop and workshop .
En route vers le Lakeside , le cœur vibrant de Beau Plan , une construction attire notre attention : les résidences Mango Village , derrière leur allée de manguiers . À deux pas des cafés et boutiques du Mahogany Shopping Promenade , et à quelques minutes de l ’ école Greencoast et des écuries de Mon Rocher , elles laissent déjà deviner un quotidien animé … de quoi envier leurs futurs résidents !
© Joel Capillaire
Promenade dans les rues de Beau Plan
Nous arrivons à temps face au lac pour admirer le coucher de soleil . Depuis l ’ un des restaurants du Mahogany ou simplement posé sur ses marches , c ’ est un spectacle magnifique . Le Champ des Lumières , l ’ œuvre iconique de Beau Plan , éclaire le lac de mille faisceaux … et au-delà , des reflets rouges et mauves peignent le ciel . Magique !
Tandis que les derniers badauds font du lèche-vitrine et qu ’ un groupe d ’ amis se dirige vers Zadaki pour un afterwork , nous découvrons le site de The Strand , à droite du Mahogany . Ces futurs bureaux exclusifs face au lac ouvrent un nouveau chapitre de la Smart City : celui d ’ une ville nouvelle définition où se conjuguent aisément travail , loisirs et besoins du quotidien . À suivre …
Enjoying the fresh air as we ride , we set off to explore the residential areas . Along tracks edged with magnificent palm trees , there ’ s activity all around – children playing in the Hameau neighbourhood , then a jogger overtaking us , while a family exchanges greetings with us as they head for Les Muguets to see how the construction of their house is progressing . The neighbourhood will soon see a new public park alongside the development . The quality of life here is going to be quite special .
As we move on to the Lakeside District , Beau Plan ’ s lively centre , some building work attracts our attention – the Mango Village residencies . Close to the cafés and shops of the Mahogany Shopping Promenade , the Greencoast school and the Mon Rocher stables , it looks like this will be a lively area . We can ’ t help envying the future residents !
We arrive in front of the lake just in time to admire the sunset . It ’ s a magnificent sight seen from one of the Mahogany ’ s restaurants or simply sitting on the steps . Beau Plan ’ s already iconic art installation , the Champ des Lumières , makes the lake glitter with beams of light – and beyond , red and mauve reflections streak the heavens . Magical !
While the last strollers window-shop and a group of friends head to Zadaki for a drink after work , we come across the site for The Strand . The exclusive office spaces here , looking out over the lake , signal a fresh chapter in the development of a Smart City that provides a new definition of an urban area , where work , leisure and everyday requirements are all in close proximity . And there ’ s more to come …. www
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