Villeneuve-sur-Lot: Collections for the long Sainte-Catherine construction site are struggling to take off

The city promises to be more active to approach the 100,000 euros hoped for in three years

The latest estimate for the ongoing renovation of Sainte-Catherine Church, which is expected to last seven years, stands at €4.5 million. This substantial amount has been secured by the City, the project owner, to secure more than 50% of the grants from the State, the Region, and the Department. Last November, a call for donations was launched through a fundraising campaign set up with the Fondation du patrimoine. The goal is to raise €100,000 over three years.

By the end of July, while hope remained, the total was far from being met, with only €36,191 raised, of which barely €6,191 came directly from the fundraising campaign. The additional €30,000 corresponds to two €15,000 envelopes from corporate sponsorship, which, in addition to being a kind gesture, can provide access to a 75% tax deduction, linked to all donations to a charity. The City also promised various rewards, such as tickets to the Georges-Leygues Theatre or the possibility of privatizing the venue for events.

"It's a bit meager," admits Mayor Gérard Régnier. "Our commitment was to find business leaders, local stakeholders, here in Villeneuve, to carry the baby. We haven't given enough thought to the issue." Even without reaching the collection target, the sum will be paid to the municipality "up to the limit of its remaining cost and if the work is compliant," specifies the Heritage Foundation.

Not insignificant to lighten the bill a little for the City, which is responsible for keeping the collection going. Rather than going back to light a candle in the building, "we're going to try to be more active," promises Gérard Régnier. An imperative when, in addition, we hope to receive, like the Maison aux assiettes in Bias , subsidies from the Stéphane Bern Mission.