Thanks, and yes the city has being really improved since the last 2/3 years, and there's still many projects underway, I think within about 5 years, St Etienne will have a new face and will definitely lost its black & worker's city nickname.
However, in 1 month, we'll have municipals elections in France, and our Mayor may lose his position then make a break/stop to urban development.
The thing is, all these projects, those already finished as the new ones, for instance the development of a new business district located near Châteaucreux railroad station (where Casino group headquarter has just moved to its brand new building
), cost a lot of money with the risk for the city to go bankrupcy that's why attracting new companies and investors from outside is the main goal and issue of St Etienne Métropole.
So, we'll see what will be the future.
Anyway, if you come here next year, PM me we could organize something: a what's new visit!