AGORA, a key player in sustainable urban development, and the FERROFORUM cultural association have entered into a promising collaboration in an innovative move that marks a decisive turning point in the revitalisation of Luxembourg’s industrial heritage. Together, they aspire to transform the central workshop on the former Esch-Schifflange steelworks site into a space for creation and collective memory.

On this day, 27 March 2024, a new chapter is being written for the former Esch-Schifflange steelworks site, also known as the “Quartier Metzeschmelz”. AGORA, renowned for its commitment to transforming brownfield sites into vibrant, sustainable urban neighbourhoods, and FERROFORUM, guardian of industrial memory and know-how, have joined forces to sign a unique agreement.


This collaboration symbolises a further step towards preserving and enhancing our rich industrial heritage, while paving the way for urban and societal innovations. Thanks to this agreement, the central workshop will become a centre for archives and documentation, but above all it will become a place where people can meet, exchange ideas and create, underlining the importance of the iron and steel industry’s heritage and traditional know-how.

François Dorland, Managing Director of AGORA, highlights the value of this partnership: “FERROFORUM is a major player within the National Centre for Industrial Culture. We are convinced that this agreement will help to preserve and promote the cultural and industrial heritage of the steel industry, as well as the traditional trades associated with iron and steel production.


At the heart of this initiative is AGORA’s desire to place citizen participation at the heart of its urban regeneration projects. This principle is at the heart of FERROFORUM’s mission, which is to encourage interaction and exchange around the steel industry, inviting enthusiasts, the curious and experts to share their stories and ideas for the future.



This year, FERROFORUM will be bringing the district to life with events such as the “OarbechterKiermes”, the “Vroom Vroom Mecanik” festival and the “Feierôwend” folk festival, all of which bear witness to the vitality and cultural richness of the site. To find out more about these initiatives and take part in the renaissance of the Metzeschmelz district, visit www.ferroforum.lu.

Pending the complete redevelopment of the site, this agreement offers the former industrial wasteland a unique opportunity to become a vibrant place, reflecting the aspirations and needs of the community. AGORA, with its vision of developing eco-friendly and smart living environments, is committed to working with citizens and partners to create a future where the industrial past meets innovation and urban quality of life. To find out more about other AGORA projects and their impact on sustainable urban development, visit www.agora.lu. And for a deeper insight into AGORA’s values and projects, take a look at our press release detailing this pioneering agreement between AGORA and FERROFORUM.