Parking in the city centre is quite a challenge, especially given that construction work is taking place across several underground car parks.
As of next month, the Saint-Esprit parking lot, with 500 spots, should have reopened to the public. But the government has decided for the site to only be made available to government vehicles, as well as cars belonging to deputies and state officials. These vehicles are currently parked below Place de Clairefontaine, which is also up for renovation as of May.
Saint-Esprit thus seems like a good temporary solution, according to the state.
The City of Luxembourg will not accept such a decision, underlined Mobility Officer Patrick Goldschmidt in an interview with RTL.
“The Saint-Esprit Plateau is home to numerous businesses, also hospitality establishments. In the Grund there are many restaurants. After suffering for two years they expect the parking garage to reopen, at least in the evening. The car park is empty in the evenings, and the people who work in the Grund have nowhere to leave their car.”
Restaurateurs had hoped that come spring it would be easier for customers to find a parking space and thus visit their favourite café, restaurant or bar more frequently. But they have been left disappointed.
“We have customers who do not come here anymore because they can no longer park here. And even if it rains the next car park is relatively far away. People are no longer going to eat where they used to eat, because there is no more parking,” says restaurateur Kim Mathekowitsch.
Restaurateur Lucien Elsen adds: “We still fear for our existence because of the [impacts of the] pandemic.”
Goldschmidt suggests the government should hold off on renovating the Place de Clairefontaine car park until the mobility situation has eased. Or even better, make state officials come to work by bus or tram. “We would also have thought now that one would see those people park further out and then come to town with free public transport. That works well, after all.”
The City of Luxembourg also says it would be happy to lease a further 120 spots (on top of the existing 200) at the Royal Hamilius car park to the government until the end of 2023.
Video in Luxembourgish:
