One of Denmark’s largest transformation projects is underway.
In the future, Odense is set to gain a new and attractive urban area on the site of the current Odense University Hospital (OUH). The first step on the journey will be taken in 2027, when the Region of Southern Denmark begins to vacate the hospital. The area of approx. 274,000 m2, i.e. similar in size to Odense city centre, will in the coming years be transformed into a green and vibrant urban area with mixed-use housing, large and small businesses, retail and a range of leisure and cultural offerings.
Floorage of the area is currently around 200,000 m2, and to minimise the use of resources and limit CO2 emissions, many of these existing buildings and urban spaces will be preserved or transformed to serve new purposes in the future. The development of the current OUH will thus be one of Denmark's largest transformation projects.
The future urban area is to attract and create synergy between knowledge-intensive cluster companies, entrepreneurs and urban businesses. The partnership therefore intends to develop a business strategy and action plan in line with the Business and Growth Policy of the City of Odense.
Freja Ejendomme A/S (property company of the Danish State), Realdania By & Byg A/S and the City of Odense have entered into a cooperation agreement with a view to establishing at a later stage a jointly owned land development company that is to facilitate the development of the current OUH.
The process will include the ongoing involvement of citizens, businesses and other stakeholders. In addition, competitions will be launched – initially an ideas competition – and ensuring life and activity in the area during the transformation will be an important focal point.
Facts about the area
- The entire area is approx. 274,000 m2, corresponding to about 3 times the size of Tivoli in Copenhagen or about 35 football fields. Lengthwise, the area is approx. 1 km long, corresponding to the length of Odense's city centre.
- Total floorage of the acquired area: approx. 200,000 m2 plus the basement.
- The basement and underground passages cover approx. 38,000 m2 (equivalent to 5 football fields).
- In 1912, Odense County and City Hospital opened at Sdr. Boulevard 29. Several of the old red-brick buildings from that time, designed by Gunnar Laage, still form part of the hospital.
- The architecture of the buildings in the area represents more than 100 years of Danish building history.
- The oldest building is from 1912 and the most recent is from 2014.
- The highest point is the high-rise building of Odense University Hospital (OUH) built in 1967 and designed by Kay Boeck-Hansen and Jørgen Stærmose. Before that, they had designed Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), and Jørgen Stærmose was also the architect behind the neighbourhood of Vollsmose. With its 16 floors, the high-rise building is one of the tallest buildings in Odense. Without its base, the building houses an impressive 20,000 m2.
