© Jeannot Ries
The commune is working on revitalisation: Over the next ten years, at least 4,700 new residents could move to Wiltz, which increase purchasing power.
The people of Wiltz will keep seeing them for a while: the cranes down in the valley, near the Wiltz river. In the eyes of local politicians, they bring hope.
The commune is working on revitalisation and over the next ten years, at least 4,700 new residents could move to Wiltz, with the goal to increase purchasing power:
“We do believe that we will grow from 8,500 to 13,000 inhabitants with the projects currently known. I'm not talking about potential other projects, just those already known and actively in development. This would mean that from today's approximately €76 million in potential purchasing power, we would reach €122 million”, said Bob Wetzel, City Manager of Wiltz.
Planning for the future
All the way down to the 'Schlasskéier', where a policlinic and medical centre are to be built, the main road is being turned into a so-called 'shared space' for both pedestrians and cars.
Amel Cosic, alderman of Wiltz, explains: "Additionally, we have also developed a strategic framework from the commune, through which we will support those working in commerce and hospitality, including with lower rents or other means to accommodate them."
For instance, cafés, and restaurants will be granted terrace space by the commune. In recent years, the commune has also purchased no fewer than 14 houses and a hotel, which are gradually being renovated – projects under the 'Pacte Logement' scheme.
"The lower floors will become retail space, while the upper floors will be turned into housing units, also at reduced rental prices", said Amel Cosic.
Attracting the right shops
It makes little sense to compete with the Pommerlach commercial zone, which offers 32,000m² of retail space compared to just 9,000m² in lower Wiltz.
Bob Wetzel sees opportunities mainly in sectors the Germans refer to as "basic provision" – including food, healthcare, and personal care – but notes that retail expansion beyond these areas faces tough challenges. "Our latest study confirms that competition from nearby shopping centres is fierce", he explained, adding that only niche businesses stand a real chance of success, though such shops do still emerge from time to time.
By 2030, the centre of Wiltz is expected to be restructured and filled with life once again. After five years on the main street, Christina Mathieu says she is already seeing some business picking up.
"If the main street becomes more attractive and has more shops, people will also come more. Of course, if there are only two shops, it’s a bit sad – you're fighting against something. But like this, it's lovely. You can really feel that more and more is happening."
In a second phase, by 2035, the area around the train station is also set for a complete transformation. Right next to the entrance to the new neighbourhood 'Living with the Wiltz', new shops and a park-and-ride facility will be created – where several thousand people already take the train daily.
Trains that, perhaps in future, will run directly via Ettelbruck and Mersch to the capital – the local politicians' hopeful vision.
