Banana Hangar

A former port brownfield site converted into a recreational and nightlife spot.

Located on the Quai des Antilles on the western tip of the island, the Banana Hangar became a local entertainment and recreational spot in June 2007.  It is home to bars, restaurants, a disco and a contemporary art gallery.

The 8000 sq. m hangar owned by the Grand Port Maritime Nantes Saint-Nazaire was built after the Second World War. Until 1970, it was used to store and ripen bananas imported from the Caribbean. Neglected for several years, the site offered a rare opportunity to accommodate new cultural and recreational activities along the same lines as those offered at the Shipyards site.

In 2005, SAMOA and the local authorities initiated the first discussions with the Grand Port Maritime to undertake the conversion of the site. Headed by Néo Promotion and architect Michel Roulleau, the project was intentionally minimal in order to conserve the architecture of this building that characterizes the port and maritime heritage of Nantes.

Work began in September 2006 to convert the huge space into independent units including restaurants and bars, a 1700 sq. m exhibit space and a 2500 sq. m club.