The name Place Marie-Adélaïde does not ring any bells for most but the names “Maartplaz” or “Monopolplaz” (in English Market Square and Monopol Square respectively) are names many Luxembourgers do recognise. Until now, the square in Ettelbruck was mainly used for parking but in the next two years, the square will be given a 5.7€ million transformation. This transformation will include a Kiosk and a playground. Discussions on how to rearrange Place Marie-Adélaïde have been going on for years but these discussions have finally come to a resolution and works have already begun in Ettelbruck.
It’s been a busy time so far. In the first phase, the river stream Haupeschbaach which flows underneath the construction site, needs to be re-channeled and the different networks need to be renewed. After that, it’s on to the new pavement, which will have the same color as the pedestrian zone, namely rose de la clarté. A merket-themed playground is also planned, to pay homage to one of the names of the square. The heart of the project, though, is undoubtedly the new pavilion.
Bob Steichen, the mayor of Ettelbrück states: “It’s an important element, of the square. At the moment there is a gray box that doesn’t look very inviting. It’s basically the access point to a retention basin underneath the square. The initial idea for this project was to integrate the access to the basin into the pavilion, so that the box would disappear from eyesight. We also simply thought that it would be good to upgrade the place. A pavilion and a restoration of the square would enliven the place.”
For many years, the Place Marie-Adélaïde was a large parking lot. Of the approximately 90 spots, 50 will be left after constructions are done. This is source of frustration for many working in the area. The mayor conceded that, on one hand, it is important that parking facilities remain in place, but on the other hand:
“We’re lucky because we have the parking lot ‘Däich’ close to the centre. Of course, it’s always a matter of perception, but the pedestrian crossing between the center and the Däich parking has been redesigned with a new bridge, made simpler, wider, for people to get to the centre easily. There are 1,000 parking spaces, where you can always find a parking spot at any time.”
In Ettelbruck, works have also begun on the other side of the Alzette with the city aims to facilitate access to the river. From the parking lot to the station, a type of parking area with a chalet and mini golf will be created.
Watch the RTL Tele report in Luxembourgish below:
