Montparnasse Redevelopment Gets Approval: New Housing and Public Spaces Planned

The Paris City Council adopted a memorandum of understanding on July 2, 2025, to relaunch renovation of the Montparnasse shopping center and the 9-hectare Maine-Montparnasse superblock. The decision cleared the path for a larger plan that includes student housing, social housing, a contemporary art space, six rooftop sports courts and a new pedestrian square.

Why the changes matter to residents now

Residents living near the Montparnasse Tower and the surrounding superblock will see direct shifts in available housing types and public facilities once work advances. The addition of student and social housing units addresses local needs for varied accommodation options, while the new pedestrian square and art space create additional places for community use without requiring travel to other districts.

Details of the approved plan

The redevelopment plan approved by the City of Paris specifies student housing, a contemporary art space, six rooftop sports courts, social housing and a new pedestrian square. Architect Renzo Piano Building Workshop redesigned the Montparnasse commercial center as a pedestrian district, a proposal the City Council voted to support in late 2025. These elements replace the current layout with features intended for everyday use by people who live and work in the area.

Timeline and budget evidence

The Montparnasse Tower was closed to the public and emptied of occupants on March 31, 2026, ahead of a four-year transformation project. Massive renovation work on the tower, including complete demolition and reconstruction, is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026 with a total budget of €650 million. These dates and figures come directly from council records and project announcements.

Local residents can expect construction activity to increase once the autumn 2026 start date arrives. The City of Paris will manage the phased rollout of the new housing, sports courts and public square, with updates provided through official council channels as each stage progresses.