New Housing in Toulouse: 480 Units Planned

Balma, France: Aspiring Development Plans to Add Nearly 1,200 Homes by 2038

Balma, a rapidly expanding commune northeast of Toulouse, is poised for significant growth with the development of two new districts – Garrigue and Thegra – promising nearly 1,200 new housing units over the next decade and a half. The projects reflect Balma’s commitment to accommodating a growing population while prioritizing lasting development and quality of life.

A Growing City on the Outskirts of Toulouse

As the eighth most populated commune in the department with 17,000 residents, Balma is experiencing a surge in development mirroring that of Toulouse itself. New construction is already visible in the Vidailhan eco-district and the Montredon-Tuilerie district, bordering L’union. According to Mayor Vincent Terrail-Novès, the city aims to “take its part in welcoming new residents to the metropolis of Toulouse.”

The Garrigue District: A Phased Approach to Urban Densification

The first phase of this expansion focuses on the Garrigue sector, located behind buildings along Avenue Georges-Pompidou. Plans call for 480 housing units to be constructed on 15 hectares of currently undeveloped land. Five real estate programs are slated to deliver approximately 100 housing units per year between 2029 and 2033.

These new homes will offer a diverse range of housing types, from collective and intermediate housing to individual residences, encompassing units from T2 to T5 configurations.A significant 30% of the housing will be designated as social rental housing, distributed throughout the district. Additionally, Patrimoine SA Languedocienne will construct an intergenerational residence with 40 units.

Beyond Housing: New Amenities for a Growing Community

The Garrigue district will not be solely residential. Over 500 square meters will be dedicated to activity buildings offering local services.A new school group, college, and gymnasium are also planned, all accessible via the Gramont alleys, the central axis of the Balma-Gramont ZAC.

Addressing Traffic Concerns and Prioritizing Pedestrians

A key consideration for the development is managing traffic flow. the Allées Gramont, also known as the M112, currently experiences heavy congestion, connecting the Auchan shopping centre to neighboring municipalities. To mitigate this, access to the Garrigue district will be “disconnected from this axis” to protect residents from noise and pollution.

“Traffic will be organized in such a way as to limit the space of the car,” a city planner explained. A shared path for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians will provide access, while internal travel within the housing programs will prioritize pedestrians and cyclists.

Green Spaces and Environmental Sustainability

The development plans incorporate a strong environmental focus. A 1.5-hectare park will be established at the highest point of the district,offering leisure facilities and integrating with the Vidailhan eco-district via a promenade. A one-kilometer loop will connect the housing programs with natural spaces.

Oppidea,the developer,emphasizes the project’s “environmental and landscape ambition based on soil preservation,water management and adaptation to climate change.” Innovative water conservation measures, such as the reuse of gray water for irrigation, are planned. Developers also anticipate that the plant life and open ground will contribute to lower summer temperatures.

Looking Ahead: The Thégra District and Beyond

Construction in the Garrigue district is expected to begin at the end of 2027, with the first residents moving in by 2029. Urban and technical studies will continue in collaboration with Oppidea and community services, with public consultations planned from 2026.

Following Garrigue, the southern Thégra area will be developed between 2032 and 2038, adding another 700 housing units. These ambitious projects signal Balma’s transformation from a quiet suburb into a dynamic gateway to Toulouse, France’s future third-largest city.