Geneva Approves 3.3 Million Indemnity for Rue de Carouge Merchants
The City of Geneva approved on Tuesday evening a 3.3‑million‑franc indemnity package to compensate merchants affected by the major works along Rue de Carouge. The funding is designed to offset the disruption produced by the street’s ongoing transformation into a pedestrian-friendly corridor with increased greenery, a project that has closed the road to vehicular traffic between Plainpalais roundabout and Place des Augustins since late June.
City officials confirmed that the measure passed unanimously. Anna Vaucher, spokesperson for the Department of Finance, Environment and Housing, explained that the amount above the initial 2 million francs stems from an agreement with the other principal project owners and is allocated in proportion to the scale of the work they are carrying out. The city of Geneva contributes a portion, while the two other involved entities—the Public Transport Network (TPG) and the Geneva Industrial Services (SIG)—also provide funds: TPG contributes one million francs and SIG 300,000 francs.
What the money covers
For merchants who apply, the indemnity corresponds to six months of rent. The provision recognises the prolonged disruption caused by the street’s reconstruction, including the removal of the carriageway and the construction of pedestrian walkways and crossings. The city emphasized that the application process will be straightforward for eligible businesses, aiming to provide timely relief during the height of the construction period, which is expected to last through December.
Funding details and distribution
The initial plan envisaged a 2‑million‑franc fund, but an agreement with the other project owners led to a total of 3.3 million francs. Distribution will be pro rata to the impact of each project on individual merchants and businesses. This approach reflects a practical acknowledgment that the three overlapping works—municipal sewer renewals, tram‑rail replacement by TPG, and SIG’s infrastructure updates—collectively influence street commerce and foot traffic along the corridor.
Context of the broader urban renewal
Rue de Carouge’s conversion into a pedestrianized and greener street forms part of Geneva’s broader urban renewal strategy aimed at improving livability and street ecology in the city center. While the immediate effect is disruption for shopkeepers and customers, officials argue that the long‑term benefits include a more vibrant, accessible street with enhanced environmental performance and safer pedestrian access. The funds are a key instrument to balance short‑term economic pressures with long‑term urban goals.
What happens next
Merchants seeking indemnity are advised to contact the city for application details, including documentation of rent and evidence of disruption. The city’s administration indicated that the fund will be administered promptly, with payments disbursed in the six‑month window identified for the project. As construction advances, the municipality will likely monitor both business impact and street safety to adjust support if needed.
Bottom line
Geneva’s decision to allocate 3.3 million francs to compensate Rue de Carouge merchants underscores a careful balance between maintaining ongoing urban improvements and sustaining the local economy. The collaboration among the city, TPG and SIG illustrates a coordinated approach to infrastructure upgrades, while the indemnity ensures businesses stay afloat as streets are reshaped for a more pedestrian‑friendly future.
