Ecological redevelopment of the Pétrusse Valley

At a joint press conference held on Monday, 10 February 2025, the City of Luxembourg and representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity (Ministère de l'Environnement, du Climat et de la Biodiversité) provided details on the works to be carried out during the second phase of the Pétrusse Valley ecological redevelopment project.

A green lung in the heart of the city

In her opening remarks, Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer welcomed the fact that "the Pétrusse Valley ecological redevelopment project is a singular project for the City of Luxembourg in that it aims to improve the environment, while at the same time enhancing the quality of life enjoyed by local residents. This ambitious project will transform the valley into a green lung in the very centre of the city, a site that promises a truly remarkable experience for those spending time in the area between Place St Ulric and the Bourbon lock, which had already been renaturalised during the first phase of the Pétrusse Valley ecological redevelopment project. With the completion of the second phase of the project, these extraordinary transformations will extend even farther towards the Hollerich district. While the works are ongoing, the City of Luxembourg's teams will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience they may cause and ensure that the entire park is open for the public to enjoy by the time school resumes after the summer holidays in 2027."

A project aimed at adapting to climate change

According to Serge Wilmes, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, "The benefits of renaturalisation are obvious in many respects: visual enhacements in the landscape are undeniable, as are improvements in the natural habitats of the flora and fauna present in the waterway and along its banks. The project will not only be beneficial for fish, butterflies and other living organisms, but will also afford local residents a measure of protection by mitigating the risk of flooding. As such, the renaturalisation work being undertaken is perfectly aligned with policies aimed at adapting to the ever-growing challenges of climate change. At the same time, it improves biodiversity, water quality, and the quality of life enjoyed by our residents."

The ecological restoration of the Pétrusse River and the redevelopment of the surrounding park is being undertaken in two separate work phases, each covering a distinct location with its own timeline.