On Friday morning, the Luxembourg City municipal council approved the second phase of the €111 million Hamm sports complex. This phase includes the construction of an outdoor stadium, a dedicated training facility, and an additional indoor arena for winter use.
All facilities are scheduled for completion by spring 2029, in time for Luxembourg to host the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE). While the project is ambitious, it has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
The local chapter of the Green Party (Déi Gréng), which had raised environmental and water management concerns during the project’s initial phase, reiterated its objections. Councillor Linda Gaasch acknowledged a lack of sports infrastructure in the capital and stated her party is “definitely in favour” of more facilities. However, she argued that the project fails to adequately consider its impact on the neighbourhood.
“The residents of Hamm urgently need to be involved,” Gaasch stressed, adding, “We absolutely need a mobility plan so that this project doesn’t create even more traffic chaos.”
Consequently, the Green Party called on the municipal executive to establish a comprehensive mobility plan and to conduct public consultations at every stage of construction. The motion was not passed.
In response, Mayor Lydie Polfer stated that local authorities are “in extensive contact” with citizens and are keeping them informed. She noted a meeting with the Hamm local interest group on 18 March 2024, with three further meetings held since, the most recent on 1 December.
On the topic of mobility, Patrick Goldschmidt, the municipal executive board member responsible for transport, offered a clear assessment. “It won’t be that bad,” he stated, arguing that the daily traffic to the sports complex would be lower than that generated by the adjacent school, the National Employment Agency (ADEM), or the ministry in Hamm.
Nevertheless, Goldschmidt assured that the municipality would work to minimise inconvenience. “There might be competitions two or three times a year, but on weekends, it should, in principle, be very quiet,” he said. He also confirmed plans for a new bus stop and a large car park directly beside the stadium.
Simone Beissel, another member of the municipal executive board, highlighted plans for a large public park designed to foster community spirit. The park will feature extensive green spaces, many trees, and a fruit orchard. Additionally, the area will include four children’s play areas with swings, a beach volleyball court, and a basketball court.
