The Littoral Est Economic Development Hub will attract promising businesses in high-value-added sectors, while also creating an eco-neighborhood in close proximity to highway and rail infrastructure. The result of effective collaboration between cantonal and municipal authorities, it aims to set an example by combining economic development, residential development, energy efficiency, and biodiversity. The public review of the cantonal land-use plan and the cantonal alignment plan marks a decisive step for this major project, which aims to enhance the canton’s economic and residential appeal.
Included in the cantonal master plan since 2011, the Littoral Est economic development hub is a cornerstone of the Canton of Neuchâtel’s framework for attracting and supporting businesses. This hub, approved by the Federal Council, is one of three cantonal economic development hubs, along with those at Crêt-du-Locle (La Chaux-de-Fonds) and Littoral Ouest (Boudry).
Thanks to its excellent location, this exemplary project incorporates ambitious goals not only in terms of the quality of its facilities but also in terms of biodiversity and energy efficiency, thereby reinforcing the project’s sustainability. This site will be home to a state-of-the-art business district creating approximately 3,000 jobs, as well as an eco-neighborhood for about 500 residents, thereby bringing living and working spaces closer together and fulfilling the canton’s commitment to enhancing residential appeal.
Consultation and Participation
During the public consultation on the project in late 2018, a broad consensus emerged in support of the project, and the State Council and the municipality of La Tène were asked to finalize the project. Consequently, recognized experts in the fields of biodiversity, energy, mobility, and landscape were commissioned to conduct an audit of the project and provide additional input.
At the same time, a participatory process was established. Bringing together members of the municipal legislature, the general public, and interest groups, a participatory workshop was held in October 2019, and a presentation summarizing the findings took place in July 2020. Overall, the additions made to the project were widely praised.
A Charter for Public Spaces and Landscapes
To ensure that the project’s ambitious goals are achieved, a charter for public and landscape spaces has been developed. This document is an integral part of the site’s planning and regulatory framework. It is binding not only on municipal and cantonal authorities but also on third parties and future developers in the area. The charter focuses on the commitment to adopt and implement concrete measures (biotopes, public space design, green roofs, etc.) that contribute to land-use management and the harmonious development of the site.
Public Hearing on the Cantonal Land Use Plan
The cantonal land-use plan for the business district is subject to a public review from June 18 to July 19, 2021. The documents subject to the public review are available for consultation at the municipal administration offices (4 Rue Auguste-Bachelin, 2074 Marin-Épagnier) and at the cantonal land-use planning office (5 Rue de Tivoli, 2000 Neuchâtel). In addition, an expert familiar with the project will be available at the municipal offices to answer questions on June 21 and 28, and July 5 and 12, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.