The French coastal town of Ouistreham in Calvados has selected its architectural firm for an ambitious school reconstruction project, revealing the first images of what will become the new Isabelle Autissier School. Mayor Romain Bail announced during the municipal council meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025, that the architectural and engineering competition has been awarded to Cabinet AJEANCE and OCAM.

The comprehensive project carries an estimated total cost of 16 million euros (approximately $17.4 million), covering a total surface area of 3,590 square meters. The main building alone, spanning 2,248 square meters, is projected to cost 10.23 million euros excluding taxes for construction work. This ambitious undertaking represents one of the most significant educational infrastructure investments in the region.

The new school facility will accommodate a substantial student population with carefully planned educational spaces. The construction plans include five kindergarten classrooms and ten elementary school classrooms to serve the community's growing educational needs. Additionally, the project incorporates a specialized ULIS classroom designed specifically for students with disabilities, demonstrating the town's commitment to inclusive education. The facility will also feature a collective childcare center for minors, which will replace the current recreational center.

Construction activities are scheduled to begin with a phased approach starting in summer 2026. Mayor Bail explained that the project will commence with the partial demolition of the existing Coty building during the summer of 2026. Following the demolition phase, actual construction work is planned to begin in 2027, with the entire facility expected to be completed and ready for the start of the 2029 school year.

This major educational infrastructure project reflects Ouistreham's long-term commitment to providing modern, accessible educational facilities for its residents. The four-year timeline from initial demolition to final delivery demonstrates the scale and complexity of this undertaking, which will significantly enhance the town's educational capacity and serve the community for decades to come.