Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies last week gave unanimous approval to expand the city’s tram line from Place de l’Étoile up to the Centre Hospitalier, adding a new stop near the former Batiself site. The surrounding area, which still hosts several businesses, has seen some shop leases terminated for the end of this year, raising concerns among local traders.
Minister for Mobility Yuriko Backes has firmly rejected suggestions that the tram expansion is responsible for these closures. She pointed out that similar concerns surfaced when the retailer Roller announced its nationwide closure, even though the extension law had not yet been passed at the time. Now that the Chamber has approved the project, Backes is eager to clarify the government’s position, arguing that the tram extension plays a key role in meeting Luxembourg's substantial mobility needs. She confirmed that the next development phase will include a new bus station and a Park & Ride facility in Merl.
The municipalities of Strassen and Luxembourg City are both involved in ongoing discussions about the project, alongside property owners in the affected area. Studies are underway to assess the best approach to the development, while the National Roads Administration is tasked with building the Merl Park & Ride in the coming phase. The vast parcel of almost four hectares, currently owned by Belgian investment fund Boomerang sarl, is key to the tram project. Whether the state will purchase the land required for the tram extension remains to be decided.
Minister Backes stressed that negotiations are ongoing and no final agreement has yet been reached. It is also not yet clear what the future holds for the wider site, including the possibility of housing developments.
