Renovated urban wasteland

On December 5, 1874, with the aim of bringing together in a single place various Army services hitherto scattered in different districts of Bordeaux, the State bought from the liquidators of the Anonymous Company of the Public and General Stores of Queyries a vast land bounded by Quai des Queyries, rue Hortense, chemin des Queyries and what would become rue du Maréchal Niel.

The two large existing buildings, built around 1850, initially accommodated the Artillery Service and Subsistence Management. Over time, they were called "Central Service Store", "War General Stores", "Military General Stores", "General Clothing and Camp Store", "Clothing Store".

Behind this land was completed in 1877 the Barracks Niel and all the surrounding buildings, intended for the 18th Crew Train Squadron. This barracks accommodated many troops, experienced two wars and a period of occupation. This site was known under the name of “Quartier Niel”.

WHAT ABOUT DARWIN?
Since the departure of the military in 2005, the vast wasteland of the Niel barracks has become a hotbed of graffiti and street art, an “urban wasteland”. The General Stores, meanwhile, are the subject of speculation as part of the Bastide Niel urban project. Faced with the threat of destruction of the General Stores, the Evolution family group (we what!) Is mobilizing alongside residents and neighborhood associations. Then in 2009 negotiated the repurchase of 10,000m2 of “North” buildings on a proposal from the Metropolis and the City of Bordeaux.

It is in this majestic heritage setting that Evolution lays the first stone of DARWIN. They install a multitude of activities there while preserving as much as possible everything that can be. Then the adventure continued in 2014 with the success of the Magasin Général Sud renovation market against the real estate development giants. Thus, the urban alternative that constitutes DARWIN consolidates itself and anchors its hybrid model on an additional hectare.

DARWIN is particularly proud to have been born on these banks of the right bank for a long time deemed "infamous" in the collective unconscious of Bordeaux. On "the other side of the water" in this Bordeaux port and worker of the "little people" of the Bastide, an endearing district both by its unity and its diversity.

A preserved 19th century heritage, the General Stores have become, under the impetus of DARWIN, the emblem of a 21st century heritage, economically innovative and environmentally responsible.

Monday 08: 00 am - 7: 30 pm
Tuesday 08: 00 am - 7: 30 pm
Wednesday 08: 00 am - 7: 30 pm
Thursday 08: 00 am - 7: 30 pm
Friday 08: 00 am - 7: 30 pm
Saturday 08: 00 am - 6: 30 pm
Sunday 08: 00 am - 6: 30 pm

Tram A "Stalingrad" Stop + 10 minutes walk