It is a challenge faced by all the great, historic, naval ports. As fleets become smaller, ships become larger and the desire to be beyond public gaze becomes stronger ; their location and infrastructure is no longer suitable.
The original dry docks (top left, gates closed) are not able to accommodate the French nuclear submarine fleet. It is therefore based, across the Rade, on Ile Longue. A natural isthmus, much modified to accommodate naval needs, isolated from view and with direct deep water access to the Atlantic Ocean.
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Whilst this facility is clearly visible from the Penfeld river bridge. With the city centre on the opposite bank. And suited to smaller ships.
Brest's answer is to rejuvenate the redundant Machine House. (Multi-gabled, white faced building, on the skyline, above the high stone walls. Beyond the dry docks. In picture two).
Link it to central Brest with a cable car.
Turn work-in-progress into sculptural exhibits.
Add historical artifacts.
And nautical themed exhibitions.
Create workspaces. Much in use by students and professionals, for relaxed one-to-ones.
Throw open the super smooth expanses of floor space, as a slalom run, around the machine exhibits. For use by the younger generation. Riding any form of, human powered, wheeled transport which they choose. Egged on, I shall not say supervised, by a roller blade riding superintendent.
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