Macron accused of “vandalism” towards the Havre ferry terminal, an Art Deco gem

The transatlantic ferry terminal in Le Havre has been being demolished since 1^er June. French government charged with “vandalism” over Art Deco masterpiece, reports The Times.

Its destruction saddens Art Deco enthusiasts. The demolition of the Havre ferry terminal in Normandy began on 1^er June, “to make way for a factory that will produce offshore wind turbines, as part of a renewable energy development project wanted by President Macron”Writes the British daily The Times, in an article dated June 3.

The building terminal is considered “an Art Deco treasure [tardif]”, Advance The Times, which recalls that the building was “formerly used by companies like Cunard”, To date the oldest active cruise and transatlantic company.

Rebuilt after being bombed during the Second World War, the Quai Joannes-Couvert ferry terminal, whose real name was, was inaugurated in 1952. The terminal received foreign liners, while French liners used another terminal demolished in the 1970s.

A bit nostalgic, The Times recounts the period atmosphere in the building:

Inside the post-war station, there were statues, luxury boutiques, a florist, and a green and gold bar where passengers could sip champagne before setting off for New York. From the outside, it looked like a warehouse of some sort, without anything ostentatious in the eyes of the inhabitants of a city that had long been a communist stronghold.”

The offshore wind mill, which is to replace the demolished building, “to employ 750 people and build blades and platforms for 71 wind turbines”, Specifies the daily newspaper published across the Channel.

For the newspaper, Emmanuel Macron “intends to overcome the resistance of fishermen and the coastal population, which has so far prevented any construction of offshore wind turbines”. Even if it means sacrificing French architectural gems.

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