With demand on the rise, the Nyon train station is the subject of a transformation project. The goal is, on the one hand, to improve the integration of welcoming public spaces, shops, housing, and various forms of transportation, and, on the other hand, to bring the station up to current standards, particularly to enhance its accessibility. Participatory initiatives are supporting the project’s development.
See also: Station Area Transformation Project
The project underwent a pilot planning phase—a competition for ideas among groups of professionals—to define the key principles for developing the area. To complement and inform this work, the City of Nyon launched an initiative directly involving the public in shaping the future of the train station and its surroundings.
The Participatory Approach
From November 2022 to January 2023, observations, meetings, and model-making: a detailed analysis of the site and its uses through observations and interviews with a diverse group of users, who were able to convey their perceptions of the station and its surroundings through models. This qualitative study helps identify points of interest, concerns, and conflicts in the area, and enriches the work of expert groups as part of the pilot planning phase.
Fall 2023, pilot projects (temporary installations): During the fall, ideas for low-impact improvements—based on observations and meetings conducted between November and January—will be tested on a full scale and on a temporary basis at the Nyon train station—see below.
Temporary Improvements
As part of this initiative, two temporary improvements have been implemented in the Nyon train station area. These projects, currently in a testing phase, aim to meet the needs and expectations of users while laying the groundwork for the upcoming Gare project.
"Bandes passantes" Project:
The first project aims to improve pedestrian mobility at Place de la Gare and enhance the sense of safety. Three existing crosswalks were widened, and a new one was created at Rue Jules Gachet. This phase of road marking lasted one month, allowing for an assessment of the effectiveness of these adjustments.
Project to Adapt the Martinet Staircase:
Modifications were made to make this staircase more accessible and convenient for parking garage users, as well as to provide access to the public facilities at Le Rocher and the community grocery store La Soliderie. A temporary structure was installed on the staircase and tested over a three-month period.
Ensuring the Long-Term Sustainability of Certain Developments
Following this initiative, the City of Nyon has made the trial improvements permanent to enhance pedestrian comfort. The crosswalk leading to the underpass has been widened to provide more space. The traffic lights in front of the SBB ticket window have been removed, requiring vehicles to yield to pedestrians at all times. A new crosswalk has been added at the corner of Rue Jules-Gachet, and pedestrian access to the Cour aux Marchandises has been improved.
How can I participate?
To stay informed about the key milestones of the participatory process and other initiatives in Nyon, sign up for the Participànyon mailing list!
A project designed in collaboration with the community from the very beginning
This is not the first time the station area has been the subject of discussion. Track 4, which emerged from the “usage labs,” was inaugurated in 2019. It is a temporary test installation that allows for the evaluation of the potential of the future station plaza using a full-scale model.
The summary of this process has already made it possible to share the public’s impressions and feedback on usage with the groups of planning professionals involved in the pilot project.
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