Belval, once a symbol of heavy industry, is now at the forefront of sustainable urban mobility. Through an ambitious transformation project, this district is positioning itself as a development model where cohabitation, innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of urban travel. To gain a better understanding of the perceptions of residents and users, AGORA launched an in-depth survey on social networks. This initiative gathered a wide range of opinions on the challenges of improving mobility at Belval. An evening discussion concluding the campaign brought together the directors of AGORA, the mayors of the municipalities concerned, numerous other project stakeholders and a committed public, to explore together the prospects for mobility in Belval in a spirit of citizen participation.
A renewed concept of mobility
At the heart of Belval’s transformation is a new concept of mobility, focusing on reducing car dependency in favour of efficient public transport and lanes dedicated to soft mobility. The introduction of a tramway and the expansion of the network of cycle paths embody this vision, aimed at offering attractive alternatives to the private car. This ambitious plan reflects a strong desire to improve the quality of life of residents and users, and to make travelling more pleasant for everyone.
François Dorland, Managing Director of AGORA, emphasises the importance of this change: “The evolution of the mobility plan is crucial in shaping the urban planning of tomorrow. The new mobility concept we are developing at Belval is set to radically transform the region.” This transformation includes not only improvements to the transport infrastructure, but also a significant increase in green spaces and pedestrian areas, thereby improving the quality of urban life.
Alexandre Londot, Director of Operations at AGORA, added: “We plan to integrate the national infrastructure directly into the Belval site. This will include a dedicated high-speed transport corridor, a tram route and cycle lanes.” This development is crucial to the creation of a ‘Mobility Hub’ in the Belval Sud district, symbolising a key step in the realisation of this vision. Nuno, a Belval user, expresses his support: “I’m convinced that any initiative promoting soft mobility makes a significant contribution to improving the quality of life.” Cassandre, who had come to discuss the issue with her family, added: “I think the new mobility plan is very promising. Personally, I don’t live in Belval, but I often have to go there by car (…) So the introduction of trams, buses and trains, as provided for in this plan, is a very exciting prospect. Eventually, it could even enable me to walk with my children. That would be a significant change for me.”
The enthusiasm generated by these exchanges underlines the constructive dialogue between residents, urban planners, stakeholders and politicians. These discussions not only deepen the new mobility concept, but also actively encourage the community to participate in the metamorphosis of their living environment. This dialogue exemplifies effective collaboration between citizens and authorities, laying a crucial foundation for building a sustainable, interconnected future.
Green spaces and sustainable mobility
Recognising the crucial importance of green spaces to the quality of urban life, Belval is integrating nature into the heart of its mobility project. The creation of parks, the desilting of soils and the increase in the presence of vegetation along traffic routes are just a few examples of the initiatives taken to combine mobility and living spaces. As well as beautifying the neighbourhood, these green areas play an essential role in combating climate change and promoting urban biodiversity.
François Dorland highlights this aspect: “The new mobility concept we are developing at Belval is set to radically transform the region by enriching urban spaces with green areas and significantly improving the quality of urban life.” This initiative shows how modern urban planning can promote a greener, healthier environment. While François Dorland focuses on the direct transformation of urban spaces, Bruno Théret, Vice-Chairman of AGORA, broadens this vision by emphasising the importance of understanding and integrating the various points of view for a truly collaborative and inclusive approach to urban development: “We strive to understand the different perspectives around an ambitious and evolving common project, taking into account all the stakeholders involved. It is crucial to discern the current challenges of mobility for the common good and to encourage a change in attitudes through consensus.”
Through these initiatives and dialogues, Belval is positioning itself not only as a leader in sustainable urban development, but also as an inspiring example of how urban communities can evolve in harmony with the environment while meeting modern mobility needs.
Intermodality and connectivity
Intermodality is at the heart of Belval’s mobility strategy. By developing interchanges that make it easier to switch from one mode of transport to another, Belval aims to make travel smoother and more efficient. These hubs, designed to integrate the different transport needs of the population, encourage the use of public transport and active mobility, helping to relieve traffic congestion and reduce CO2 emissions.
Frank Vansteenkiste, Government Councillor at the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, also points out: “One of the major challenges in new districts is to guarantee equitable space for all modes of transport. At Belval, we have succeeded in meeting this challenge by offering transport alternatives that include cycle paths, trams and buses.”
Daniela Di Santo, Director of Fonds Belval, reinforces this commitment to innovation and long-term planning: “Fonds Belval responded very enthusiastically to AGORA’s invitation to take part in this working group on mobility. We share a common goal, which is to reassess past actions and consider future possibilities.” This ongoing dialogue between the various stakeholders underlines the importance of collaborative planning for the creation of efficient transport hubs, which are at the heart of Belval’s sustainable development strategy.
These comments illustrate Belval’s proactive approach to integrating various modes of transport into a fluid system that promotes efficiency and sustainability. The creation of these interchanges is a step towards more responsible and environmentally-friendly urban mobility.
PDAT 2035 at the heart of Belval’s transition
Incorporating the directives of the Master Plan for Town and Country Planning (PDAT) 2035, Belval embodies a sustainable vision by harmonising urban mobility and territorial development. This synergy reflects a commitment to an enhanced quality of life, underlining Belval’s transition to green and inclusive mobility, in line with the national objectives for sustainable development and urban innovation.
Roland Fox, Director of Ponts et Chaussées, highlights the practical commitment of his administration: “The Ponts et Chaussées administration has been involved in the construction of the Belval site from the outset, with a vision of constant development. We played a key role in defining the high-level bus corridor and the tram route. This technical work is directly aligned with the strategic guidelines of PDAT 2035, demonstrating a concerted effort to adapt infrastructure to the new requirements of sustainable urban mobility.
Echoing this technical involvement, Christian Weis, Mayor of Esch-sur-Alzette, stresses the importance of multi-level strategic discussions: “In-depth discussions are held regularly between AGORA, its partners, the Luxembourg State and the City of Esch, focusing specifically on mobility in the Esch region and already envisaging the guidelines for 2035.” These dialogues enable local actions to be synchronised with the broad outlines of the national plan, ensuring that the decisions taken are well informed and globally consistent.
Bruno Théret adds an extra dimension by stressing the importance of a global and collaborative vision: “We are striving to understand the different perspectives around an ambitious and evolving joint project, taking into account all the players involved. Our aim is to create the city of the future, a city that fully meets the expectations of its residents. This multi-dimensional approach illustrates AGORA’s commitment to merging technical, political and civic perspectives to shape an urbanity that anticipates the future while respecting the imperatives of sustainable development.
Citizen participation and the mobility of tomorrow
The collaborative approach at the heart of Belval’s mobility development is a remarkable example of participatory democracy. By involving residents, workers and students in the design of mobility and urban development plans, Belval ensures that the solutions adopted precisely meet the needs and aspirations of its community. This collaborative approach results in sustainable and appropriate innovations, forging an urban environment that embodies the hopes and dreams of its residents.
François Dorland underlines the methodology behind this approach: “Our development process is based on the systematic integration of all stakeholders within a framework that is both technical and human. This practice ensures that each solution is not only viable but also in perfect harmony with the existing urban environment. Frank Vansteenkiste reinforces this notion: “Urban planning is a fine-tuned process, adjusting behaviour as it develops. At Belval, this meticulous approach, supported by close collaboration with the municipalities and AGORA, has enabled us to turn ideas into tangible, effective realities.”
For her part, Simone Asselborn-Bintz, Mayor of the Sanem local authority, highlights the commitment of her administration: “Our teams, as local leaders and members of AGORA’s Board of Directors, are actively involved not only in institutional debates but also in strategic decision-making. This ongoing process ensures that we are always at the heart of developments and fully committed to the project.
The mobility exchange evening held on 8 May 2024 marked a decisive turning point in the Belval redevelopment project, illustrating the power of participatory democracy in urban planning. The event brought together AGORA leaders, the mayors of Esch-sur-Alzette and Sanem, as well as an actively engaged public and other key stakeholders, facilitating a fruitful exchange of diverse perspectives. These interactions not only enriched the dialogue but also played a crucial role in moving the project forward. Thanks to in-depth debates, the needs and concerns of citizens were accurately identified, ensuring that the actions undertaken faithfully met the community’s expectations.
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