Oloron: more than 7 million euros invested in the creation of a health center and a senior residence

The projects, whose construction is expected to begin within a year and be completed by spring 2028, aim to counter medical desertification and the aging of the population.

"To date, 4,000 patients do not have a primary care physician in Haut-Béarn, and this figure will rise to 7,000 in two years if nothing is done." The outlook reported by Oloron departmental councilor Clément Servat is accompanied by two other observations in the area: the population is aging more than elsewhere in the 64 (+5 points), and precariousness is more pronounced (the average income is 200 euros lower).

This is what motivated the creation of a health center and an inclusive senior residence in Oloron. Since the end of 2024, the Department has taken over the project, due to a lack of agreement between health professionals and the Haut-Béarn Community of Communes.

"Today, the legal and financial aspects have been settled: we can now get down to business," announced the president of the 64 Departmental Council, Jean-Jacques Lasserre. "With this project, we want to inspire the desire to settle in a region that offers a good quality of life for doctors." On Friday, August 22, alongside the Sepa group (Sociétés d'Equipment des Pyrénées-Atlantiques), and the 64 Housing Office, the elected officials of the 64 presented the future projects in detail.

The two buildings will be constructed on the Prairie des Trams, at the top of Avenue Charles-et-Henri-Moureu. "The health center is the subject of an investment of 3.3 million euros: this is a historic moment for Oloron and Haut-Béarn," commented Clément Servat.

The facility, which will cover 817 m², will accommodate 18 healthcare professionals, including eight general practitioners (including two new to the area) and two interns, as well as three assistant secretaries. "The important thing is to build good partnerships, to ensure that doctors are interested, and that's the case today," said a delighted Jean-Jacques Lasserre.

On the paramedical side, four nurses, two osteopathic physiotherapists, and a dietician will also be installed. A space will be reserved for specialists, with shifts provided by an ophthalmologist's office and a cardiologist. "The shared practices allow the multi-professional health center to be opened to other specialists," the project leaders explain.

Finally, part of the space will be dedicated to coordination functions, provided by the Interprofessional Society for Ambulatory Care (Sisa) with an employee, and the coordinator of the Maison sport santé. The real estate investment is being made by the SEPA (Société d'Emploi et de Santé). Expected public subsidies should reach 1.5 million (1.2 million acquired to date). Note: future tenants will benefit from leases with very advantageous rents, at 11 euros per square meter.

A seniors' residence will also be built nearby. The challenge: "Develop a range of rental housing adapted to Oloron's aging population, ensuring attractive rents for the elderly, and strengthening the independence of people with disabilities."

The location, close to the city center, should allow residents easy access to shops and public services, ensuring they can remain independent at home while creating social connections.

Claude Olive, First Vice-President of the Departmental Council, stated that the Housing Office 64, which he chairs, will purchase the program from Sepa upon completion of the work. These housing units also aim to promote rental mobility, in order to free up apartments that have become too large for single people.

74% of the Office's real estate portfolio consists of T3 and larger apartments, but 57% of occupants live alone. Furthermore, among seniors, the gap is widening compared to the rest of the region: 39.7% of 60-74 year-olds live alone in Oloron, compared to 27.9% in the department, and 46.5% of those over 75, compared to 41.7%.

Another observation made by Claude Olive: "30% of people over 65 never leave their homes. And the number of seniors will increase in the coming years: we must act to adapt."

Valued at 3.8 million, the residence will include 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 15 of which will be dedicated to seniors and adapted for people with reduced mobility. The construction of 10 social housing units – eight one-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom apartment, and one three-bedroom apartment – ​​aims to create inclusive housing.

With a total cost of 7.1 million, work on the senior residence and the health center should begin in September 2026, for delivery in May 2028.