Planting the 130th tree; Credit: Otilia Dragan/Chronicle.lu

On the morning of Tuesday 26 March 2024, Fonds Kirchberg organised a press conference to present the project for the future neighbourhood called "Kuebebierg" in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, in the presence of Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg’s Minister for Mobility and Public Works and Lydie Polfer, Mayor of Luxembourg City, among others.

The area is in proximity to the Gréngewald forest, surrounded by natural reservations. The residential district is set to be built on a field that the Fonds Kirchberg acquired in 1961. Sprawling over 33 hectares and destined to accommodate more than 3,000 lodgings, this district aims to combine urban life with the preservation of the environment. The development of Kuebebierg is affected by mitigation measures, or Continuous Ecological Functionality-measures (CEF) which must be implemented before urban development and whose implementation started in 2022. One such procedure is, for example, a temporary protective measure leaving out piles of branches in the surrounding area for the local bird species.  

Beyond the environmentally friendly pre-construction process, this new district will take into account multiple environmental considerations. Kuebebierg will use geothermal heating, harnessing the consistent temperature below the earth's surface for an environmentally friendly heating system. Mobility to and from the area will mainly be ensured by the tram, while plans for soft mobility usage on-site will be central to the project.

Furthermore, Kuebebierg will integrate a so-called “urban farm” set to produce seasonal, local vegetables and fresh produce. 130 trees of local varieties have already been planted on the grounds, 91 of which are fruit trees. Around two hectares will be planted to ensure food production; nevertheless, this urban farm will also play the role of public space offering cultural and educational activities, workshops and more. Following a call for urban farm concepts, the company Aurel & Axel was selected for the development. In an initial stage, the urban farm will form part of the Luxembourg Urban Garden 2025 (LUGA) horticultural exhibition programme, from May to October 2025. Preparations for the urban farm, including the planting of trees and market gardening have already started this spring. The concept will include both traditional and hydroponic gardening and will introduce the public to various techniques, tips and tricks.

Minister Backes noted: “What I find great [in this project] is the symbiosis between nature, infrastructure, architecture, mobility and the energy concept. A lot of work has already been done, [...] but we would like for this to commence quickly and see its success within the next few years. [...] The concept is to have everything within a short distance: a school, an urban area, shops, restaurants, public spaces all coming together [...] where children can grow up and people can go to work nearby.”

Luxembourg City Mayor, Lydie Polfer added: “As you all know, Luxembourg City is growing significantly and very fast. In the last ten years, its population has risen by 30%. These grounds will represent a large part of the future of our city. [...] This very morning we sat down together for two hours with Mr Güller [urban planner] and with the entire team of Fonds Kirchberg to discuss the issues and challenges arising, [...] but this is the future.[...] This will be a very new and very important nature-connected neighbourhood, but it will require mobility as it is a part of the city.“