Public debate back in 2010-11 concerning the question of the Grand Paris public transport network shed light on the full importance all stations are to play in the future Grand Paris region, not only for urban transport companies, but also investors, regional decision-makers and passengers.
The stations must be designed in such a way as to both accompany and sustain the ambitions of the Grand Paris public transport network and a new generation of metro stations is to be developed, to meet the differing needs of the diverse areas and localities of the Île-de-France Region. The Vitry-Centre station lies on the south-east portion (Noisy-Champs/Villejuif Louis-Aragon) of the automated red line of the Grand Paris Express. It is a town-centre station and provides links to existing above-ground transport networks (mainly buses) and services to come (T9 tram line), connecting with the RD 5 (Avenue Maximilien Robespierre), one of the main north-south highways of the south-eastern Paris region. It will provide access to the Town Hall, sports and cultural facilities such as the Musée d’Art Contemporain du Val-de-Marne - MAC/VAL, Jean Vilar theatre and Nelson Mandela library. It is an underground station, situated beneath the eastern section of the Parc du Coteau and lies on a north-west/south-east axis, in line with the planned route of the underground train tunnel.
The station has been designed in absolute harmony with the Parc du Coteau, from which it emerges in almost organic manner. It lies to the east of the park’s green spaces and offers clear connections with the RD5.
The exterior forecourt has been extended to form a covered concourse, providing passengers with a gentle slope down into the station, accessible for all. This transitional space, linking inside and out, also provides access to the avenue, clearly voicing the station’s presence within the urban fabric.
The green vault above the concourse, in intimate connection with the park, is entirely planted and ample perforations offer enticing views of the station from the park and of the park from the station below.
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