The Gare district is one of the most dynamic in the capital. This is reflected in its transport infrastructure and the many shops and services on offer. The many projects underway or planned should further strengthen the strategic position of the district in the years to come.

Located south of the upper town and Grund and surrounded by Hollerich to the west, Gasperich to the south and Bonnevoie to the east, the station district is a central point in the capital. Many people come here every day for work or to do some shopping in the many shops available.

Cosmopolitanism and growth

The Station district currently has 10,487 inhabitants (as of 31 December 2017). This population is constantly increasing and represents more than 9% of the total population of the City of Luxembourg. The district is today composed of a very large majority of non-natives (84.5%) and includes many nationalities: French, Portuguese, Italian, Belgian, Spanish, Romanian, German... This mixed population, mostly aged between 24 and 40, is particularly dynamic.

A comprehensive mobility offer

The railway station district is without doubt the nerve centre for mobility. As a place where many commuters and workers pass through every day, the district offers a wide range of transport services. In addition to the central station, which is served daily by numerous national and international trains, the majority of the city's bus routes and numerous RGTR buses also pass through the district.

Several car parks, such as the "Fort Wedell" car park and the Martyrs car park, are also available to visitors, while the Neipperg car park is currently being refurbished and modernised and will be reopened with a dynamic guidance system inside, a new façade and a brasserie. In addition, more than 50 parking spaces are reserved for people with reduced mobility in the station area. Also focusing on soft mobility, the district is linked to the City of Luxembourg's self-service bicycle system, vel'OH! and will soon welcome the tram which will pass through the Avenue de la Liberté.

Education as a priority

In order to meet the educational needs of its relatively young population, the station district has a basic school with several buildings for children in cycles 1 to 4. Two school hostels and the Fieldgen Private School (secondary education) reinforce the offer. A feasibility study for the construction of a new school building with a school residence for cycles 1 to 4 in Rue Adolphe Fischer is currently underway.

Sports and leisure facilities for all

In terms of sports and leisure facilities, the district is not left behind and the facilities on offer are aimed at all generations. Several playgrounds are available for the youngest children. The Pétrusse park, which has a skatepark, has become a real playground for young people. The infrastructures of theoutdoor fitness park, The sports hall, the gymnasium, the training pool and the two multi-sports pitches, which are also located in the station area, are all freely accessible and allow everyone to keep fit.
The youth meeting centre offers animations, meetings, outings, activities and parties: an opportunity to include young people in the social and associative fabric of their neighbourhood. Since May 2014, the Gare / Ville-Haute neighbourhood has had a community garden in the Pétrusse valley which allows residents of all ages to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables together and to meet their neighbours in a friendly atmosphere. Finally, various spaces such as the Martyrs' Square ("Rousegäertchen") or the Place de Paris are suitable for meetings.

Cultural events

The lively station area also boasts an eclectic range of cultural facilities. In addition to its cultural centre, the concert hall den Atelier hosts several concerts every week. In addition, the "Garer Kiermes", organised by the City of Luxembourg in collaboration with the Animation-Station GroupThe "Kermesse" is held every year in June on the Place de Paris, in the heart of the district. The fair features carousels and children's entertainment as well as food and drink stalls: a great event that brings the neighbourhood together.

With its proximity to the city centre and its excellent public transport connections, the station district can count on a third asset: its shops. Many large and small shops are located here, as well as numerous companies and Horesca establishments.

Strengthening the attractiveness

Current and planned projects for the station area should reinforce its importance. One of these is the extension of the central station. The station is currently saturated and is the destination for trains from all over the country and even from across the border. The work carried out in the coming years should make it possible to increase the railway capacity thanks to the creation of new tracks and a footbridge that will link the station district to the Bonnevoie district.

The Social Security City will also be built in the coming years at the top of the Rue de Hollerich. The National Health Fund (CNS), the Joint Social Security Centre (CCSS), the National Pension Insurance Fund (CNAP) and the Fund for the Future of Children (CAE) will be housed there.

Post Luxembourg has also chosen the Gare district to set up its new headquarters. While demolition work on the postal centre began a few months ago, the new complex is expected to be completed shortly and to be operational in 2022. The 27,700m2 building will house offices and a new Post area.

In response to the growing population, a new residential complex located between Rue de Hollerich and Rue de Strasbourg, SOHO, consisting of three residences with shops on the ground floor is being built. 150 flats will be built in the near future: a complex where tranquillity will be the order of the day thanks to a semi-enclosed courtyard and landscaped gardens. In addition, the City of Luxembourg is planning a housing and commercial project on the site of the former police station in Rue Glesener.

Finally, projects to redevelop certain squares are planned. For example, the extension of the tramway line between Place de l'Etoile and Place de la Gare will be accompanied by a redevelopment of the public spaces along this new infrastructure and a large pedestrian platform should be built at Place de Metz to facilitate the development of soft mobility. Similarly, for the redevelopment of the Place de Paris, the City of Luxembourg has launched a citizen participation procedure in order to develop a project that best meets the needs of the neighbourhood's inhabitants. This is an opportunity to give a new lease of life to this area with its many assets.