The Prime Minister, Luc Frieden (CSV), and the Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning, Claude Meisch (DP), paid an official visit to the Metzeschmelz site, in the presence of the mayors of Esch-sur-Alzette and Schifflange, Christian Weis and Carlo Feiereisen, as well as representatives from Agora. The visit provided an opportunity to present the progress made on this urban regeneration project, which is seen as a key development for the south of the country.

Situated on a 63-hectare former steelworks site, Metzeschmelz is set to link Esch-sur-Alzette and Schifflange via a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The project envisages nearly 803,477 m2 of gross floor area, approximately 4,360 homes, a population of between 8,000 and 10,000, and the creation of nearly 7,880 jobs. Agora is promoting an approach that combines industrial heritage, quality of life, urban innovation and environmental standards.

Affordable housing is one of the project’s key elements. According to Agora, 30% of the residential floor space will be allocated to this purpose, a figure described as exceeding regulatory requirements. The project is therefore in line with the government’s strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing, against a backdrop of significant pressure on the market. Agora reports that it has stepped up planning studies, site testing, the preparation of the first detailed development plans and the environmental impact assessment. Work relating to remediation, the enhancement of listed heritage and infrastructure development is also entering a more concrete phase, with the launch of basic engineering.

Less reliance on cars

The design of the neighbourhood is also based on reducing car dependency. Metzeschmelz must incorporate sustainable mobility solutions, public spaces, integrated water management, the restoration of the Alzette river, and the enhancement of the existing industrial heritage. Agora also emphasises energy efficiency, the circular economy and public involvement in the design of the future neighbourhood.

The initial operational phases are continuing to take shape, with the confirmed aim of welcoming the first residents by 2031.

“Ensuring that everyone has access to quality housing remains a top priority for the government. To achieve this, we are resolutely pursuing our ambition to build more, and faster. Metzeschmelz is a project that fits perfectly into this approach. It illustrates our commitment to developing affordable and sustainable housing, going beyond simply creating homes by transforming a former industrial site into a new neighbourhood where residents’ well-being, their quality of life and respect for the environment are central,” says Luc Frieden.

“The new Metzeschmelz district is now taking shape and offers promising prospects for the entire region. As a key driver of development in the south of the country, it embodies an ambitious vision: that of a mixed-use, sustainable district designed to meet the needs of residents both today and in the future. By bringing together housing, business activities and leisure facilities, it will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 residents and create numerous jobs. This project of national significance will give rise to a new district harmoniously linking Esch-sur-Alzette and Schifflange,” emphasises Claude Meisch.