Mjølnerparken and Hothers Plads are joined in a comprehensive overall plan involving housing improvements and increased security for residents

The renovation of Mjølnerparken in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, has been carried out as part of a comprehensive master plan combining physical improvements to the housing with social initiatives and measures to enhance safety and security. The project has covered four residential blocks at Mjølnerparken and Hothers Plads, with the aim of making the area more attractive and socially balanced. The works have included renovation, new construction, new infrastructure, commercial premises and improvements to outdoor areas.

The renovation has also involved extensive environmental remediation, including the treatment and removal of hazardous substances such as asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals and lead-based paint. The remediation has covered 556 apartments, sealants and the entire roof structure, which was removed to facilitate the planned building alterations. In addition, the handling of contaminated materials, lead abatement and soil management formed part of the overall environmental works associated with the construction of 42 new basement staircases.

Upon completion, the area comprises 466 family homes and 75 student and youth homes, including several newly constructed infill apartments with fully modernised interiors, including new kitchens and bathrooms. In addition, 16 commercial units, communal facilities and laundry rooms have been established. At Hothers Plads, 37 family homes, 43 senior housing units and 20 student and youth homes have been constructed, together with a new community centre and operations office.

The project has involved a range of technical and architectural interventions. Hipped roofs have been demolished and replaced with new rooftop apartments. The façades have been refurbished with new exposed brickwork, repointing or slurry-applied render. All windows and doors have been replaced. Balconies have been removed, renovated or reconfigured to accommodate the new layouts. Former ground-floor apartments have been converted to accommodate shops and cafés, with step-free access introduced. The courtyards have been enclosed to recreate traditional Copenhagen-style perimeter blocks. In addition, new bathrooms, kitchens and technical installations have been fitted in the existing apartments.

The project has been delivered under a main contractor arrangement. Both temporary relocations and permanent rehousing have taken place, managed in close collaboration with the client and social support organisations. Nordstern has been responsible for resident liaison through a dedicated resident coordinator, who has worked closely with the area's safety team, social workers and the police. Defects have also been rectified following residents' return to their homes, as and when issues have been reported.

As part of the project, initiatives have been introduced to provide leisure activities, recreational opportunities and part-time jobs for local residents, alongside dedicated job fairs. The aim has been to create employment opportunities and strengthen residents' sense of belonging and connection to the area.

The project commenced in autumn 2021 and was handed over in October 2026. It is an example of a complex urban regeneration project combining technical and social objectives, carried out in a densely populated, inner-city setting while residents remained in occupation.

The project has been submitted for DGNB certification in accordance with the DGNB Manual 2016 for Renovation and New Construction.