In 2021, Rennes Ville and Métropole acquired the former men’s prison, Jacques Cartier, with the aim of transforming this historic site into a cultural and civic hub, connected to a vibrant creative ecosystem and guided by a project-driven approach.

In collaboration with Mutatis, Le Facteur Urbain, and Ginkgo Avocats, Manifesto is assisting Rennes Métropole in reimagining the future of the prison and lay the foundations for its renewal. Following an architectural, urban, cultural, and social assessment, a public consultation was held through six participatory workshops. These workshops brought together about fifty stakeholders from the local area, cultural and civic sectors, the social economy, as well as individuals connected to the prison system, including inmates. The results of these workshops enriched the design and planning work led by Manifesto and its partners, laying the conceptual and programmatic groundwork for the future of Jacques- Cartier.

Following the consultation process, Manifesto conducted an in-depth analysis of the project’s legal and economic framework, proposing various scenarios for the site’s management and operation, as well as different options for the use of its spaces. The agency presented several key factors to aid decision-making, including plans for a transition phase, the local authority’s level of involvement in governance and investment, the potential inclusion of private operators, and how to balance the civic dimension of the project with financial sustainability. A roadmap was developed, outlining the key steps to guide the project forward and ensure Rennes Ville and Métropole stay aligned with the project’s goals.