On 23 October 2020, the Luxembourg State, ArcelorMittal and the municipalities of Esch-sur-Alzette and Schifflange officially decided to convert the former industrial site of Esch-Schifflange into a new urban district and to entrust this task to Agora.
Following the announcement of the definitive closure of the site in 2016, a feasibility study was commissioned from Agora for the revitalisation of the 61.16-hectare site, 91% of which is located in Escher and 9% in Schifflange.
An urban design workshop held in April 2019 (Link: www.quartieralzette.lu) with the participation of the public completed this extensive study in which more than 100 experts from different fields participated. At the end of this process, the team of Danish architects COBE with Urban Agency (DK), Urban Creators (DK) and Luxplan (LU) came up with the concept of the "Stadtfabrik".
The new district, in which up to 10,000 people will live in the future, is to be realised in stages. As in Belval, great importance will be attached to the diversity of functions. Around 50% of the area will be reserved for the residential sector, 30% of which will be devoted to affordable housing. Other allocations are also planned for tertiary activities, services and SMEs. Several public facilities such as schools and a high school are also planned.
The focus will be on the development of a low car use neighbourhood, the promotion of public transport and soft mobility. The same applies to aspects relating to the circular economy, the development principles of 'smart cities', the high quality of public space, the integration of landscapes and outstanding elements of industrial architecture.
Link to the press release of 23.10.2020
