Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The square of the Batignolles is mentioned in the context of the park Martin-Luther-King (or park Clichy-Batigolles), a green space of 10 hectares in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. This park, whose reflections began in 2001, is part of the redevelopment of the former SNCF grounds of the Batignolles freight station. It was designed for the 2012 Olympic Games (Pariscandidature) and finalized in 2020, with a sustainable approach: neutral carbon balance, renewable energy (wind turbine, solar panels), rainwater recovery and low-resource local plants.

The park is structured around three themes: seasons, sport and water. It includes a 2,900 m2 water room, playgrounds (433 m2 for children, 1,200 m2 for sports), a skate park, and a shared garden named Perlimpin in tribute to Barbara. Crossed by railways still in service (connection Petite Belte – Gare Saint-Lazare), it symbolizes the coexistence between nature and urbanism. Its development preceded the construction of the surrounding buildings, a rare approach in urban planning.

The opening was made in phases: 4.3 hectares in 2007 along Cardinet Street, and an additional 2.2 hectares in 2014 to Berthier Boulevard, reaching 6.5 hectares. The last phase, completed in 2020, added an elevated walk, a waterfall, and basins, bringing the total area to 10 ha. The park also houses Diane Maclean's Open Book (2014) sculpture, offered by Queen Elizabeth II. It is served by lines 13, 14, RER C, Transilien L and T3b tramway.

The square of the Batignolles, although distinct, is geographically and historically linked to this project. It embodies the transformation of an industrial site into an urban green lung, combining railway heritage, ecology and social life. The chosen plants (Japanese maples, cherry trees, reeds) and the infrastructure ( pond, lawns) reflect this desire for harmonious integration in the neighbourhood.

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