The discussion was organised by the national platform for urban policy and planning (CIPU) in association with the Order of Architects and Consulting Engineers (OAI).
The CIPU brings together the City of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette and Dudelange with the Ministries of Land Planning and Housing to collaborate in the field of urban development. The goal is to identify problems and find solutions.
Examples of issues are the traffic problems in Merl in the capital, the "Nonnewisen" project in Esch-sur-Alzette and the "Neischmelz" development in Dudelange. The procedures are sometimes long and restrictive, as described by Esch-sur-Alzette alderman Martin Kox, who believes shorter and simpler methods are required.
The so-called "Metropolis of Iron" presents several concrete examples of urban development like the project "Rout Lëns", launched by a private promoter
The Esch alderman also welcomes the substantial state subsidies for the development of Esch-Belval. Without the government's assistance, the university would never have been established in the area. However, local officials do not want to build a second Belval in Esch.
For the mayor of Dudelange Dan Biancalana, projects vary by municipality. Existing interfaces should be used more in order to share local experiences. Biancalana said the complexity of urban development in Dudelange was visible by taking into consideration the Shared-Space project, the upgrading of the city centre or the Neischmelz development.
Minister Claude Turmes explained that his teams began the collaboration with the three cities but that other municipalities could follow in their wake. Differdange, Pétange, Ettelbruck and Mersch have already participated in working groups.
