Diekirch is preparing for a major transformation of its town centre over the coming years, with the "New Diekirch" project aiming to give the area a greener and more inviting character.
The winning design of the architectural competition was unveiled on Tuesday, outlining plans to enhance the pedestrian zone and adjacent areas with additional green spaces and water features.
The latest phase of the "New Diekirch" project comes after more than two years of public consultation and open competition, during which both residents and architectural firms were invited to submit ideas and proposals. A jury comprising members of Diekirch's municipal council and external architectural experts evaluated the submissions.
Ultimately, the German firm Club L94, based in Cologne, was selected for its compelling vision.
Sala Makumbundu, a member of the Order of Architects and Consulting Engineers, explained that criteria such as overall public space quality, integration of various urban functions, respect for local identity and history, climate resilience, ecology, mobility, and accessibility played a key role in the jury’s decision.
Burkard Wegener, representing Club L94's executive management at the presentation, emphasised the goal of making Diekirch’s centre both greener and more water-friendly, while maintaining the existing flows and uses of the main pedestrian axis.
He not only desires to retrofit Luxembourg's inner cities to be more climate-adapted. According to him, "our city centres are also places where people come together, gather, and celebrate – we do not hold our festivals out in residential districts or industrial zones, but in the heart of the city."
A prime example of the changes ahead is the Place Emmanuel Goethals, currently used mainly as a car park. The new plans propose creating a park-like space for residents to enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation, prioritising local use while maintaining some parking availability.
Asked whether the municipal council supports reducing parking in favour of green space, Mayor Charles Weiler replied that it has not yet been decided, but will be reviewed carefully, as he recognises how sensitive this issue is.
However, the Mayor emphasised the disposal of a significant number of parking spaces near the town centre. "At some point, we need to shift our mindset and accept that walking a few metres from the car park to the centre is reasonable."
Officials stress that the current design is not a final blueprint, but rather a foundation for further discussion and development. To minimise disruption to local businesses, construction will be phased, with the first works potentially starting in the middle or end of next year.
The local branch of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) supports the project in principle, but has criticised the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) - Democratic Party (DP) majority for presenting the plans less than five days before the last council meeting, leaving insufficient time for review.
Mayor Weiler has pushed back on this criticism, pointing out that even the executive committee only received the details a day or two earlier, and that bringing the project to council at this stage was done in the spirit of transparency, not because it was required.
