Aeropolis – Aerospace Industry in Pau – Certified as a ‘turnkey industrial site’ by ‘Territoires d’industrie’

Aeropolis – The aerospace industry in Pau

Discover Aeropolis, an innovative site that embodies the fundamental principles of the AEROPOLIS project. Located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Aeropolis is a centre of excellence dedicated to the aerospace industry and related activities. This dynamic and meticulously planned site is designed to provide an optimal environment for businesses and foster their growth.

Aeropolis aims to provide 50 hectares of fully developed land for the aeronautics sector, close to Turboméca’s new industrial site. Fifteen hectares of this site are ready for immediate use.

Flexibility and adaptability are the watchwords at Aeropolis. With the option of ‘on-demand’ plot allocation, the site can meet the specific needs of each business establishment project. The development and buildings meet high standards in terms of landscape and environmental quality. The site is designed to project a positive and revitalised image of the industry, thereby embracing the concept of a technology park.

Aeropolis offers a variety of business parks tailored to the specific needs of businesses. The business park for the service sector covers 7 hectares, offering an ideal setting for companies in the services sector. The logistics business park covers 8 hectares, meeting the logistical needs of companies operating in the aerospace sector. Finally, the business park dedicated to the aerospace industry covers 15 hectares, providing a specialised environment for companies in the sector.

The site also offers a strong range of training and research opportunities thanks to its proximity to the University of Pau and the Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) and Metallicadour, the technology transfer centre, which provide specialist training in the industrial and aerospace sectors.

The Aeropolis site also features a range of shared facilities that encourage collaboration between the companies based there. These services include:

• An inter-company canteen serving 2,500 meals a day.
• A business centre for the aerospace industry with 2,600 m² of offices let, mainly to Turboméca’s subcontractors – such as engineering firms and service providers – who benefit from the prime location offered by the Aeropolis site.
• A company crèche called “La crèche Libellule”, located on the Aeropolis site, offering 60 places in a multi-purpose childcare centre for children aged 0 to 4.
• A conference hall with capacity for 250 people, as well as meeting and training rooms.

A strategic location near Pau

The Aeropolis site enjoys a prime location in the town of Bordes, just 15 minutes south-west of the city of Pau. This strategic location offers numerous advantages to the businesses that set up there.

In terms of accessibility, Aeropolis is perfectly connected to the major road, rail and airport networks. The motorway is easily accessible, just 15 minutes from the site. Aeropolis benefits from quick access to two major airports in the region. Uzein Airport is just 25 minutes away, offering domestic and international connections, whilst Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport is also 25 minutes away, providing further flight options.

Coarraze-Nay railway station is just 10 minutes from the site, and plans are underway for a new railway stop at Bordes, which will make travelling by train even easier. Furthermore, Pau railway station is just 15 minutes away, offering rail connections to other towns and regions. Aeropolis is also served by public transport. The SAFIR network provides links to the surrounding areas, offering a convenient and accessible solution for the site’s employees and visitors.

What support is available to businesses wishing to set up on the Aeropolis site?

Within the Aeropolis business park, businesses can benefit from specific support measures thanks to the municipality’s AFR (Regional Aid) status. This support is designed to promote the economic and social development of the most disadvantaged regions in Europe. It is provided by central government and local authorities, and takes various forms such as grants, loans, guarantees, and tax and social security exemptions.

What is the ecosystem of the Aéropolis site?

The Aéropolis site forms part of a dynamic and innovative ecosystem; at the heart of this ecosystem, the headquarters of Safran Helicopter Engines is a key player, providing no fewer than 3,000 jobs. Aeropolis also benefits from its proximity to the Aerospace Valley competitiveness cluster and the Metallicadour technology transfer centre. These institutions provide an environment conducive to innovation, research and technological development.

A proposed technology centre within Aeropolis represents a promising initiative. This fab lab, specialising in the digitalisation of businesses, will foster the emergence of new technologies and practices, thereby strengthening businesses’ competitiveness by supporting them through their digital transformation.

What business premises are available at the Aeropolis site?

The Aeropolis site offers a range of business premises tailored to companies’ needs. These include a 15-hectare area designated as a ‘turnkey’ site, offering businesses the opportunity to set up quickly and easily. In addition, a single contiguous plot of 7 hectares is also available.

These plots are on sale from €40 per square metre, offering an attractive opportunity for businesses wishing to invest in a strategic location at the heart of the aerospace industry.

In terms of utilities and infrastructure, the plots at Aéropolis benefit from a 63 kVA electricity supply, a connection to the RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité) grid and to the gas network.