Port of Marseille Fos lays the foundation stone of its future headquarters

Since February 2026, essential preparatory works have been under way to transform project “Le Phare” and Hall J0 site: rerouting networks, clearing of the land required for the building site (demolition of the J0/J1 walkway) and reorganising of the archives with the creation of a temporary extension.

In late summer, the site had become visible following the demolition of the current establishment’s former restaurant, which occupied the location of the future building, and removal of the roof from Hall J0. At the same time, numerous arrangements have also been made to ensure that port operations continue uninterrupted for the duration of the work, including a new route for the thoroughfare and the construction of a cruise ship quay to the north of the Terrasses du Port shopping centre.

The laying of this foundation stone today marks the official start of the construction phase for the headquarters. Foundation works are under way and will enable the gradual construction of the future headquarters over the next few months.

Design and built by the Eiffage group in partnership with the architecture agency Corinne Vezzoni & Associés and the architect Philippe Matonti, Le Phare will be a contemporary headquarters for the Port of Marseille Fos, open to the city and the port itself, while also highlighting the exceptional heritage value of Hall J0. Synergies between the different Eiffage business lines -Eiffage Concessions, Eiffage Immobilier, Eiffage Construction (lead contractor), Eiffage Génie Civil, and Eiffage Énergie Systèmes are key to the project’s success.

The project is currently precisely on schedule in all areas, with handover of the new headquarters planned for the second quarter of 2028. A second phase will then involve the econstruction of the current headquarters and the final development of the site, including Hall J0 and spaces open to the public, with final completion of the project expected by 2030.

“A port is not just economic infrastructure. It also embodies a region’s identity and plays a role in its future. With this first stone, we are not only beginning the construction of a building. We are setting out our ambition of a port that is more open, more visible and more closely connected to its surroundings. “Le Phare” project symbolises the radical transformation the Port of Marseille Fos has undertaken. In restoring Hall J0 rather than turning our backs on its history, we are choosing to combine heritage, attractiveness and transition.” Christophe Castaner, Supervisory Board Chairman, Port of Marseille Fos

“Laying this first stone marks a tangible and long-awaited milestone in a project that began some years ago. With the preparatory works having been completed on schedule, today we enter the construction phase of the port’s future headquarters. Beyond the project itself, “Le Phare” serves two aims: to provide our employees with modern working conditions compatible with new ways of collaborating, while also breathing new life into the port’s iconic heritage assets. Alongside our partners, we are building a headquarters that will live up to our ambitions for the Port of Marseille Fos for decades to come.” Hervé Martel, Management Board Chairman, Port of Marseille Fos

“Eiffage is proud to lead this ambitious project, made possible by the complementarity between the Group’s business lines. From full oversight of the project to its maintenance, from land development to energy performance management, each Group entity delivers a tailored solution. As a key player in the transformation of territories, we are bringing our expertise to bear on showcasing Marseille’s heritage and that of its port.” Cécile Cambier, Eiffage Concessions Director

“Since antiquity, much of Marseille has been destroyed, each time erasing any traces of its past. Restoring Hall J0 is about offering a different approach to building a city: developing an iconic site for the future while preserving its heritage even as it is adapted to new uses. It’s also about contending with the Mediterranean wind, light and climate to reduce energy needs while considering the comfort of those who will live and work on the site, by creating pleasant spaces, allowing air to circulate and expelling heat naturally during the warmest periods. Lastly, it’s about reusing existing materials as much as possible, prioritising terracotta and low-impact materials, calling upon French resources and know-how, and using wood in interior fixtures to introduce softer tones to workspaces. With Le Phare, we want to show that a transformation on this scale can be achieved while preserving what really matters and limiting its environmental impact. We want to promote this more restrained and more mindful approach to building a city. We are delighted to see the project taking shape today.” Corinne Vezzoni, Architect

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