A long-term project which was launched in 1991 and will probably be completed around 2015/2020, the initial Paris Rive Gauche project was refocused in 2003.

At the end of an extensive phase of consensus-building and dialogue between the municipality, residents and associations, a new ruling was adopted by the Council of Paris in September 2003, taking account of the following refocus:

Housing buildings 1. rebalancing of housing and activities with fewer offices
The percentage of surface areas devoted to social housing and student accommodation was increased while that for offices was reduced.

2. greater urban mixity
By favouring the existence of diverse activities and functions, Paris Rive Gauche ensures that the district benefits from the kind of urban and social mixity which is key to good community relations and quality of life.

3. highlighting of a heritage, affirmation of a cultural project
With the renovation of the Grands Moulins de Paris, the Halle aux Farines, the Sudac, Rue Architecture school Watt, the Masséna station, the Magasins Généraux and the Halle Sernam, Paris Rive Gauche affirms its determination to turn its industrial heritage to full account. Safeguarding the long-term future of the "Frigos" artist studios and workshops, the creation of similar units nearby, the allocation of buildings' ground-floor units to artistic or cultural activities, the growing numbers of art galleries, but also the presence of the BnF and MK2, confirm the large-scale artistic and cultural role of Paris Rive Gauche.

4. consolidation of the district's university function
In late 2006, Université Paris 7 – Denis Diderot welcomed its first students. Since then, the Life Sciences UFR (research and training unit) with the Institut Jacques Monod, the Biology, Physics and Chemistry UFR and the Paris Val-de-Seine school of architecture have moved in. In 2010, INALCO and BULAC will add to the new district's growing reputation. By integrating the Paris Diderot university university into the city, Paris Rive Gauche is reaping the benefits of a high-potential student population which is dynamic and turned towards the future.

5. diversification of the employment hub
By allowing head offices of major companies, SMEs, SMIs and production and research activities as well as universities to coexist side by side, this new district is generating an exceptional employment hub in the east of the capital.

6. the creation of an exemplary environment
In refocusing the Paris Rive Gauche project, the Council of Paris has given priority to increasing green spaces. In total, around 10 hectares will be planted and will become public areas in the district, conducive to the development of healthy community relations. But today, Abbé Pierre-Grand Moulins gardens quality of life also raises issues concerning the future. The buildings in the Paris Rive Gauche operation comply with a "High Environmental Quality©" procedure aimed at reducing energy spending and the emission of pollutants. Creating a new district is also about building for tomorrow.

7. consolidation of public transport and soft mobility
Throughout the district, the focus is on public transport. The "Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand" station (line 14 of the metro and RER C) hosts thousands of passengers and connects Paris Rive Gauche with central Paris in 10 minutes. Measures have been taken to reduce car traffic while developing cycle paths and pedestrian links to Paris Rive Gauche. As of 2012, extension of the tramway will improve irrigation of the Masséna district.

8. improved continuity between old and new districts.
Thanks to the relief created to cross the railway lines, the entire older part of the 13th arrondissement is opening up onto the Seine. Now you can walk from the Place d'Italie to the banks of the river and across to the Parc de Bercy. Upstream of the district, the continuity with Ivry will come into its own and offer new perspectives.

9. the fusion of traditional amenities and outstanding projects
Primary schools, secondary school, day-care-centres, libraries, hospitals, chapel, etc., Paris Rive Gauche benefits from all the usual public amenities. The Simone de Beauvoir footbridge, the 37th bridge in the capital, links Paris Rive Gauche to the Parc de Bercy. It connects two districts separated by the Seine and so is becoming a community focal point which hosts occasional events.
The Josephine Baker swimming pool on the Seine, moored at the Port de la Gare, at the foot of the BnF, transforms the landscape and offers Parisians a selection of spaces for relaxation and community life. This 90-metre-long, 20-metre-wide barge hosts a large pool, small pool, fitness and work-out room, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, bar and solarium.