Conversion of the Doniambo Industrial Site

Status: contracting and town planning call for proposals

To mark the centenary of the Doniambo nickel  processing factory site, which has played an integral part in Numéa’s history, and facing new global and local competition, the SLN (Société Le Nickel –The Nickel Company) organised an international call for proposals under the heading Doniambo Propre (Clean Doniambo), with a view to modernising the site.
As the site will have to close by 2050, the team directed by atelierphilippemadec explored possible scenarios for its eco-responsible conversion, and proposed a modernisation consistent with its future. Strong environmental commitments, as much from the point of view of industrial security as the transformation of the gigantic spoil heap by landscaping, the appropriate management of water, both sea water and fresh water, the proposal of substitute fuels, maximum renovation of the existing industrial building, the creation of simple, non-polluting links to the port and town of Noumea, all form the basis of a major eco-responsible action plan aimed at  reconciling Doniambo and Noumea, offering the two a harmonious future together. 
Educational sign-posting adapted to the difficult conditions of the active industrial site, the provision of boats (Doniamboats) and shuttle buses (Doniambuses) for guided tours of the site, and the installation of a luminous, interactive scenography for use at night, allow the opening up of the factory and provide the necessary link between the city and the factory. The oldest buildings, renovated, are dedicated to programmes connected to SLN charity and sponsorship activity.
All this work on the Doniambo factory offered the opportunity to reflect on the general functioning of the land at the northern entrance to Noumea.