E¿tude de l'impact du tram à Liège sur les commerces locaux : analyse des changements économiques et sociaux au cœur de la cité ardente

Abstract

Liège is currently engaged in a significant urban transformation, characterized by a major renewal project. A key element of this transition is the implementation of the tramway, which aims to modernize the public transportation network and reduce dependence on individual cars in the city center. This initiative is part of a broader strategy for sustainable urban development, which seeks to create welcoming and accessible public spaces, while promoting soft mobility and reducing carbon emissions. This study focuses on understanding the main socio-economic challenges associated with the introduction of the tram in the city of Liège, by analyzing how the city is incorporating this new mode of urban transport and how merchants can benefit from it to regain their lost customers or even attract new ones. To conduct this analysis, we define two essential objectives. The first objective is to highlight the various economic aspects (turnover, business closures, financial incentives, commercial strategies, customer engagement). Specifically, we seek to answer the question: What are the main economic impacts of the tram works on the businesses in the city of Liège? The second objective aims to analyze the social considerations (well-being, safety, and perceptions of the merchants). Here, the central question is: How does the arrival of the tram in Liège affect the social dimensions of the merchants' lives? To carry out this study, we adopted a sequential methodology. Firstly, we conducted a literature review to provide a solid theoretical framework. This review allowed us to examine existing research and theories related to urban transition and the impact of tramways on cities. Specifically, we focused on the French model of urban transition, which serves as a reference for tram development. We analyzed various economic and social aspects related to the introduction of tramways in France, such as economic impacts on local businesses, changes in consumer behavior, and improvements in urban quality of life. Next, we undertook an empirical study focused on the case of Liège. This part of the study builds on insights from the French model and aims to compare the two contexts. To gather relevant data, we conducted interviews with a wide sample of merchants located along the tram route in Liège. These interviews were designed to obtain detailed information on the impact of tramway construction on their business activities, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to adapt to this new reality. Additionally, we interviewed several experts and local personalities, such as urban planners, economists, and municipal representatives, who provided essential data and additional perspectives to enrich our analysis. Finally, we concluded our study with an in-depth discussion. This phase involved analyzing the collected data and verifying the hypotheses formulated at the beginning of our research. We compared the results from Liège with those observed in France to determine if trends and impacts were similar or different. This discussion allowed us to validate or refute our initial hypotheses and formulate recommendations for merchants and policymakers in Liège.