Rapport de séance du 18 septembre 2025

Leudelange Municipal Council meeting on 18 September 2025

 

Multifunctional building « Um Wäschbuer »: construction to begin in September 2026

 

Present:

Lou Linster (mayor), Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri (alderwoman), Jean-Pierre Roemen (alderman)

Patrick Calmus, Denise Conrardy-Copette, Nathalie Entringer, Marcel Jakobs, Sandrine Pompidou (councillors)

Marc Thill (municipal secretary)

Absent (excused): councillor Philippe Wilmes

 

1. Approval of the agenda

Approval

Item 5 of the planned agenda (interim statement of accounts for the « Faarwekëscht » school and school playground – approval) is omitted and will be dealt with at the next municipal council meeting, as the interim statement of accounts could not be completed due to missing information. The original numbering of the agenda items remains unchanged.

The agenda is unanimously approved.

2. Announcements from the College of mayor and aldermen

Mayor Lou Linster draws attention to upcoming events. These include World Cleanup Day on 20 September, for which around 100 people have registered, and a workshop for children aged 6 to 12 in connection with the design of the new water playground at Domaine Schmiseleck, which is being realised by the Papaya office.  In addition, according to Lou Linster, a survey will be launched in the near future to ask senior citizens how satisfied they are with municipal services such as the Ruffbus (call a bus), « Schwemm » (swimming pool) and « Meals on Wheels ». The survey will also ask about the general sense of security among people in this age group.

 

3. Personnel matters (in closed session)

a) Provisional appointment of a municipal civil servant, salary group A-2, administration subgroup (m/f/x)

The municipal council provisionally appoints Ms Aline Régine STRACKS to the above-mentioned position in the municipal civil service, salary grade A-1, administration subgroup, at the municipality of Leudelange.

b) Resignation of a municipal employee with intellectual duties, salary group A-1

The municipal council decides to revoke its decision of 28 November 2024 concerning the determination of the monthly salary of Ms Aline Régine STRACKS, with effect from the first day of the month following the date of ministerial approval of her provisional appointment.

At the same time, the municipal council instructs the College of Aldermen to terminate the permanent employment contract No. 24/1134/ON, signed on 15 November 2024 with Ms Aline Régine STRACKS, as soon as ministerial approval of her provisional appointment has been granted.

 

4. Redevelopment of the Leudelange town centre

Final preliminary project phase 3, « Um Wäschbuer » building

Nico Steinmetz from the architectural firm STDM and a representative of the project management office HBH inform the municipal councillors about the details of the construction project: The « Um Wäschbuer » building is an urban construction with shops, a restaurant, a pharmacy, a supermarket, a health centre, 39 residential units and an open space for events.

Photovoltaics on the roof and the use of geothermal energy ensure that the building is virtually climate-neutral. The open space outside is equipped with mobile benches and plants, which can be removed when the funfair or other events take place there.

Construction work is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with completion targeted for the end of 2028. The cost of construction is estimated at €36,915,147. However, government subsidies are expected to reduce this amount to around €22,400,000.

Mayor Lou Linster notes that subsidies of around €1.6 million are expected for the land purchased by the municipality for the project. However, there is no doubt that the « Um Wäschbuer » building is the most expensive project ever undertaken by the municipality of Leudelange.

Councillor Patrick Calmus congratulates the offices involved for their planning work and considers the project to be well designed and important for the village centre.

Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette enquires about the respective construction price per square metre for the apartments, medical practices and commercial space. According to HBH, the gross construction price for the apartments is €3,050 per square metre and the overall gross construction price for the entire project is €3,400 per square metre (subsidies not included).

In response to Councillor Nathalie Entringer’s question about greening the façade, the answer is that this is feasible but would ultimately lead to high maintenance costs. Councillor Entringer regrets this, because greening could contribute to cooling the building and is also promoted by the Ministry of the Environment. Alderwoman Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri agrees with this opinion. Mayor Lou Linster then asks the experts for a cost estimate for options for partial greening of the building.

Councillor Marcel Jakobs asks whether there are already similar buildings. The mayor points out that photos of comparable buildings were shown at the start of the project. However, the construction project itself is unique. Another question from Councillor Jakobs concerns the outdoor parking spaces. Lou Linster says that six short-term parking spaces will be created, which will primarily be available to walk-in customers of the supermarket on the ground floor. Restaurant guests, however, would have to park underground. As for heat protection, Marcel Jakobs’ last question is answered by saying that the building is equipped with awnings on the ground floor and sunshades on the upper floors.

The preliminary project for the construction of the « um Wäschbuer » building and the associated estimated construction costs of €36,915,147 are approved by all councillors.

 

6. Setting the municipal trade tax rate for 2006

Approval

It is unanimously decided that the trade tax rate for 2026 will remain unchanged at 225%.

 

7. Setting the municipal property tax rate for 2006

Approval

The rates for property tax also remain unchanged at 500% for A, 2200% for B1, 600% for B2, 500% for B3, 300% for B4, 1000% for B5 and 1000% for B6.

All councillors also agree to these rates.

 

8. Selective amendment to the general development plan (PAG)

a) Amendment to the PAG at the location known as « Geierbierg », vote by the municipal council

b) Convention on the costs for the amendment to the PAG at the location known as « Geierbierg », approval

The specific amendment had already been voted on at the municipal council meeting in April and is now being resubmitted to the councillors after three comments from the « Commission d’aménagement » of the Ministry of the Interior have been taken into account. The main changes are that in the HAB-2 residential zone, the maximum proportion of multi-family dwellings has been increased from 60 to 80 per cent.

Councillor Sandrine Pompidou asks whether municipal structures such as the Leudelinger school will meet the needs of the new residents. Mayor Linster explains that the school has capacity for 265 children, and that a further 99 places will be added after the conversion of the former Maison Relais in the old school building. At the moment, there are 210 pupils, so almost twice that number could be taught. In addition, the Bommert will not be built overnight, so phase 3 of the Faarwekëscht building ( ) could be completed if necessary. At the moment, at least, there is excess capacity.

Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette believes that Leudelange wants more living space, but is essentially a village. It is already suffocating under traffic, and such projects risk losing the village character. The mayor is surprised by this objection and points out that the councillor voted in favour of the project in April. He argues that, apart from two technical objections from the SNHBM, not a single complaint has been received from residents about the PAP Geierbierg, for which the municipality is very grateful. In the run-up to the municipal elections, it was promised that new neighbourhoods would blend into the village landscape, and this promise has been kept. Furthermore, the project is in line with the government’s desire to make better use of the land.

Leudelange is not a small village in the Ösling region that is now to be built on, but is located in the middle of the capital’s affluent suburbs and is also a town with 10,000 jobs. The opinions of individual residents should certainly be listened to, but as a municipality, the direction must be set and maintained. The task of the 100 municipalities in Luxembourg is to combat the housing crisis by creating more living space in the interests of the country.

Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette votes against sub-item a), all other councillors vote in favour.

Sub-item b) stipulates that the municipality’s building promoter shall reimburse the costs for the planning office and newspaper advertisements up to an amount of €30,000 (excluding VAT).

All councillors hereby agree to this.

 

9. PAP NQ « CENTRE 02a » at the location known as « Geierbierg »

Vote of the municipal council

According to the mayor, the « Cellule d’évaluation » (assessment unit) of the Ministry of the Interior has submitted its comments on the PAP NQ « CENTRE 02a » at the location known as « Geierbierg ». The changes that have now been made were based on these comments and a single complaint submitted to the municipality. The mayor and aldermen do not agree with the SNHBM’s request to build the residence in Lot 2 (affordable housing) on three full levels. In the opinion of the municipal authorities, this would detract from the appearance of the village. Four single-family homes are planned on lots 5-8 (also affordable housing). Lot 1 will be developed with three residences located directly next to the future nursing home, while lots 9-11 are reserved for larger single-family homes and lot 12 is again intended for affordable housing.

 

The project also includes four plots with single-family homes and another two-storey residence. According to the mayor, the municipality is not only focusing on greater housing density, but the public sector will also have significantly more affordable housing available after completion. Lou Linster emphasises that care has been taken to ensure that the existing neighbourhoods retain their unobstructed views. The colours of the nursing home, which has been under discussion for 25 years, have already been defined so that it blends harmoniously into its surroundings.

Councillor Patrick Calmus notes that housing is an important issue and therefore this project is to be welcomed.

Councillor Marcel Jakobs asks when construction is expected to begin. The mayor replies that no fixed date has been set yet. Following the municipal council’s vote, the project must still be submitted to the ministry. As the project is being carried out by a private developer, the municipality has only limited influence on the schedule.

Councillor Jakobs also suggests that, until the nursing home is built, deliveries to the construction site should be made from Rue de la Gare instead of trucks driving through Rue Pëssendall. The mayor agrees to discuss this possibility with those involved in the project. However, the permission of the leaseholder of the nursing home site is required in any case.

The mayor concludes by thanking the residents of Rue Pëssendall for their understanding. He emphasises once again that at least some of the people who work in Leudelange should also be given the opportunity to live here.

The partial development plan is approved by councillors Lou Linster, Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri, Jean-Pierre Roemen, Patrick Calmus, Nathalie Entringer, Marcel Jakobs and Sandrine Pompidou. Councillor Denise Conrardy-Copette abstains.

 

10. Decisions relating to Climate Pact 2.0 and Nature Pact

a) Building standards

b) Checklist for partial development plans and building permits for large-scale projects, in harmony with nature

Councillor Nathalie Entringer explains that the municipality of Leudelange is formally committed to ensuring that sustainability criteria such as energy management, insulation, etc. are met in all new constructions. In addition, the two checklists concerning compliance with the requirements of the Nature Pact and the Climate Pact will be combined into a single document in the future.

The councillors unanimously approve both the municipality’s commitment to comply with sustainability criteria for new municipal buildings and the checklist.

 

11. Approval of a preliminary agreement on a free transfer

Preliminary agreement AVESTA Constructions S.à r.l., Rue de la Gare, cadastral number 1009/7294

The free transfer is unanimously approved.

 

12. Approval of various notarial deeds

a) Sales contract, cadastral numbers 245/8187 and 245/8188

b) Sales contract, parcels cadastral numbers 207/8184 and 207/8185

c) EMMA INVEST S. à r. l, Eelchesgewan, free transfer, cadastral numbers 196/8114, 196/8115, 196/8116, 196/8125, 196/8126, 196/8127, 196/8128, 196/8129 and 196/8130.

d) Deed of sale for parcels with cadastral numbers 700/8165, 700/8167, 808/7673, 808/7674 and 813/1111

e) Deed of sale for plot cadastral number 55/8217

Regarding sub-items a) and b), mayor Lou Linster notes that the contracts concern the redevelopment of the locality called Bowent. The preliminary sales contracts had already been signed by the previous alderman’s council and approved by the current municipal council. The sale price amounts to €2,000 per are. Sub-item c) regulates a transfer free of charge in connection with the Eelchesgewan partial development plan. Sub-item d) concerns plots of land on Rue de Cessange and in the locality known as Fronzel at a sale price of €9,000 per are and a section of pavement at the intersection of Rue du Cimetière and Rue de Cessange at a price of €500 per are. Sub-item e) deals with the purchase of a plot of land, which was made with a view to widening the adjacent road in the long term.

Councillor Marcel Jakobs asks whether the municipality will be responsible for maintaining the plots on Eelchesgewan. The mayor replies that the paving there will be laid by the municipality, but at the developer’s expense, as stipulated in the agreement. Councillor Jakobs also wants to know whether there will be parking spaces next to the roads. Lou Linster replies that this will be the case.

All notarial deeds are unanimously approved.

 

13. Tobacco-free generation agreement

Approval

Alderwoman Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri reports that, at the suggestion of the Youth Commission, the municipality has signed a partnership agreement with the “Fondation Cancer”. The aim of the Generation « Without Tobacco » initiative is to significantly reduce tobacco consumption in the interests of youth protection and to reduce the number of smokers to less than 5 per cent of the total population by 2040. Together with 16 other municipalities, Leudelange has committed itself to organising information campaigns and defining non-smoking areas within the municipal territory. The focus is on raising awareness rather than repression. Leudelange currently has bronze status in the initiative, but the aim is to achieve silver and later gold status.

Councillor Nathalie Entringer asks whether the bans associated with the initiative would also apply to e-cigarettes. The alderwoman confirms that this is the case.

All councillors agree to the convention.

 

14. Municipal affordable housing

Waiver of the establishment of affordable housing by the municipality of Leudelange in the implementation of the NQ « CENTRE 11a and b » partial development plan at the location known as « Bommert »

As with the PAP Geierbierg, the municipality is also waiving the establishment and maintenance of affordable housing to be created as part of the PAP Bommert. These 80 apartments will therefore not be built and operated by the municipality. Mayor Lou Linster justifies this by saying that the municipality itself will build 51 affordable apartments in three different projects over the next few years. The municipality therefore proposes that the apartments in the PAP Bommert be built and operated by SNHBM.

All councillors agree to this waiver.

 

15. Budget amendment

Amendment to Article 3/135/613483/99002, « Fees for architects, surveyors and other construction experts » – increase

The budget item is increased from €252,000 to €302,000 due to unforeseen expenses, including those related to the construction of cycle paths.

This amendment is approved by all councillors.

 

16. 2024 accounts for the youth centre

Approval

As every year, the municipality bears 50 per cent of the operating and personnel costs for the youth centre. Alderman Jean-Pierre Roemen recalls that the relevant agreement was voted on by the municipal council in May.

The accounts are approved without any dissenting votes.

 

17. Approval of the statutes of a local association

ACTL – Turkish Cultural Association in Luxembourg, RCS F566, approval of the Articles of Association

In connection with the Turkish Cultural Association’s request for recognition as a Leudelange association, Mayor Linster notes that such associations are actually more national in character and, even if they have their official headquarters in Leudelange, do not necessarily contribute to local village life. For this reason, the municipal subsidy policy is to be reviewed and, if necessary, adjusted accordingly.

The Articles of Association of the cultural association are approved by all councillors.

 

18. Price list for various items and catering for celebrations and events

Approval of the price list

The College of mayor and aldermen present the councillors with a price list for products and services offered by the municipality at municipal events. Mayor Lou Linster specifies that this only applies to events that are not organised by a local association. The honorary wine will of course continue to be free of charge. The pricing is based on the prices charged by the Bettembourg « Schwemm » (swimming pool). The prices set by the Leudelange associations will continue to apply to the festivals organised by them. Councillor Vanessa Demoling-Baldassarri adds that the municipality must give itself the opportunity to offer food and beverage services at events such as Public Viewing.

Councillor Marcel Jakobs does not consider the proposed prices to be too high and enquires about a deposit requirement for drinking cups. The mayor replies that this already exists.

Councillor Sandrine Pompidou suggests that salads should also be included in the range of food on offer. Mayor Linster agrees with this idea and wants to add the category « Various dishes – €8 » to the price list for this purpose.

The price list is approved unanimously.

 

19. Personnel issues, creation of positions

a) Creation of a D-1 position for local services (m/f/x)

b) Creation of a position in salary group A-1, technical sub-group, architect for the architecture and building permits department (m/f/x)

c) Creation of a B-1 position for the Finance Department

Councillor Marcel Jakobs believes that many new employees are being hired and expresses the hope that they will be available when needed. Mayor Linster responds that, compared to other municipalities, Leudelange is quite modest in terms of new hires. He also points out that far fewer projects were undertaken before the current municipal leadership took office.

The three resolutions on the creation of positions are adopted without any dissenting votes.

 

20. Confirmation of temporary traffic regulations

Construction site at 33 Rue de la Gare

The temporary traffic regulation is generally approved.

 

21. Municipal roads, classification and naming of a road

Beim Melacksbësch

A postal address is required for the new forestry hall currently under construction. After a brief discussion, the name « Beim Melacksbësch » is unanimously agreed upon.

 

22. Correspondence, questions to the College of

mayor and aldermen

Councillor Nathalie Entringer suggests reminding the citizens of Leudelange once again via the municipal information channels that the municipality offers them the option of fitting locks to their waste bins. The mayor agrees to follow up on this suggestion.

 

23. Approval of various service contracts (in closed session)

« Art à l’école » courses:

a) Ms Katharina Maria COULOMBEL LUICKHARDT

b) Mr Emmanuel FREY

 

24. Personnel matters (in closed session)

Provisional appointment, civil servant salary grade B-1 (m/f/x)

Ms Adriana Filipa CARVALHO PROENÇA is provisionally appointed to civil servant salary grade B-1.

 

25. Advisory municipal committees (in closed session)

Resignation of a member of the Transport committee

 

26. List of requests for pre-emptive rights

a) Discussion (in closed session)

b) Decision (in public session)

No right of first refusal was exercised.