With more than 25,000 inhabitants, Differdange is one of the most populated municipalities in the country. It ensures that its residents enjoy an optimal living environment, through quality housing, well thought-out mobility, modern infrastructures and the preservation of its green spaces.

Located in the south-west of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, in the heart of what is known as the former mining basin, the municipality of Differdange is made up of four localities: Differdange-Fousbann, Lasauvage, Niederkorn and Oberkorn.

After having recorded a significant increase in its population until 1970 thanks to its industrial activity, Differdange, like its neighbouring municipalities, experienced the steel crisis. Its population then declined slightly until the early 2000s. Then it started to grow again. " Fifteen years ago, Differdange was, so to speak, a dead city. Since then, things have changed a lot, emphasises Roberto Traversini, the mayor of the municipality. We have rebuilt ourselves. We have succeeded in making our residents want to stay in their community, but also in making other people want to join it. "

With 25,402 inhabitants and a population increase of 50 % in less than twenty years, Differdange is the third most populated municipality in the Grand Duchy, just behind Luxembourg-City and Esch-sur-Alzette. On a little more than 22 km² 104 different nationalities live in harmony. " Our municipality is very dynamic, but we must now manage to slow down our demographic growth in order to offer everyone the best possible quality of life and ensure the harmonious development of our localities "says Roberto Traversini.

Controlling real estate projects

This demographic growth brings with it a number of challenges, particularly in terms of real estate. In Differdange, there is no longer any question of creating excessive housing. Since 1^er In October 2014, the municipality prohibited the destruction of single-family houses. " Previously, these dwellings were replaced by flats, which contributed to an increase in the number of inhabitants, but also to higher property prices. We therefore chose to take this decision, which is unique in Luxembourg "explains the elected representative. Real estate prices, while increasing due to high demand, remain relatively attractive in Differdange compared to those in Luxembourg. For example, the average selling price of an old flat is 4,085 euros per square metre.²4,965 (atHome.lu statistics).

The municipality also includes 10 % of social housing, which was developed in collaboration with the Social Housing Fund, but also through the social real estate agency Kordall, set up by the municipalities of Differdange, Käerjeng, Pétange and Sanem. " In this context, we offer more moderate cost housing. The rents are between 30 and 40 % below the prices in the region "continues the mayor.

Since the arrival of the University of Luxembourg in Belval, six kilometres from the centre of Differdange, and the expansion of the educational offer in the surrounding area, notably with Lunex University and Miami University, several residences dedicated to students have been built. " Nearly 40 studio flats will be built between now and 2019 in the heart of the Séquoia residence, a social and family complex that will also accommodate 80 children aged 0 to 4, some of whom have a disability "says the mayor.

Infrastructure for youth

The youngest children can thus rely on a multitude of infrastructures. " We attach great importance to youth, their development and education, says the mayor. This is why we invest in schools, halfway houses and crèches. "Differdange has five primary schools in its various localities, as well as schools for differentiated education. In addition, there is the large International School project, which is aimed at all those who want to study in an international environment. Other projects in the pipeline include the creation of a new pre-school in Niederkorn and the opening of a new halfway house on the Woiwer school campus in the near future, with room for 450 children.

In terms of leisure activities, Differdange is not lacking in assets either. Music, culture, languages, sports... there is something for all tastes and all ages. Various sports infrastructures are installed in each of the localities. A new swimming pool completes the range of sports facilities, while a new sports hall in Niederkorn and a new multi-purpose centre for events and performances are to be built by the end of 2019. A 3,400 m² youth centre² has also just opened at Fousbann, the former stadium of AS Differdange. " The site houses various reception areas, a computer room, a removable skateboard track, a multi-sports field, a barbecue area, etc. says the mayor. The project was carried out in close cooperation with the young people. "

Ecology at the heart of development

In addition to the deployment of new facilities, the population growth that Differdange has experienced in recent years has also required significant investment in transport. The municipality, which is fully committed to soft and ecological mobility, can now boast of being well provided for in this respect. There are three train stops, in Differdange-centre, Niederkorn and Oberkorn. The University of Belval, Esch-sur-Alzette and Luxembourg City, among others, can be reached very easily. Four 100 % electric bus lines also connect the towns of Niederkorn, Fousbann and Oberkorn with the centre of Differdange. This service, called Diffbus, is completely free of charge for residents and operates from 6am to 7pm every working day. Residents can also use electric bicycles. Cycle paths have been specially laid out for this purpose.

It must be said that these different means of transport are essential to ensure, in particular, the mobility of the 9,000 people who work in the commune. 800 of them are employed by ArcelorMittal. The creative hub 1535°, located on a former industrial site, brings together more than 40 companies employing between 150 and 180 people. The opening of the Opkorn shopping centre in the heart of the town should also help to create new jobs.

Despite its industrial past, its new economic boom and its high population density, Differdange is careful to protect its green spaces, which represent two thirds of the surface area of the municipality. " We have planted thousands of trees in the heart of the city. Our new General Development Plan, which will be completed next year, will introduce new green spaces and preserve existing ones before building or developing anything around them, says Roberto Traversini. Our role is to make people feel good about their community. "