DKK 10 billion to transform Vollsmose - first sod

Today, construction of a new office building was officially launched at a groundbreaking ceremony on the construction site in the central part of the area. The event was attended by, among others, the Mayor of Odense, Peter Rahbæk Juel, Alderman Lars Christian Lilleholt, CEO of AP Ejendomme Peter Olsson, and Group CEO of Nordstern Morten Chrone.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is yet another step in the urban development of Vollsmose. With the establishment of a modern office building and municipal workplaces in the middle of the district, we are at the forefront of urban development and are sending a clear signal that Vollsmose is an important part of Odense’s future,” says Peter Rahbæk Juel, Mayor of Odense Municipality.

Vollsmose is facing extensive urban development. Based on the political agreement adopted by Odense City Council in 2018 and the statutory development plan, up to DKK 10 billion will be invested over the coming years to develop Vollsmose into an attractive and integrated part of Odense. The vision is to create a mixed district where nature, sustainability and strong communities go hand in hand with new forms of housing, workplaces and urban life.

AP Ejendomme is investing approximately DKK 700 million as co-owner of the area development company Fremtidens Vollsmose P/S, which is jointly owned with Odense Municipality and the social housing organisations Civica and FAB. The company’s task is to enable the overall transformation and create the foundation for new neighbourhoods, urban spaces and functions – one area at a time.

From vulnerable residential area to active part of Odense

The office building is an early and strategically important element in the urban development. As described in the Vollsmose District Plan 2025, the ambition is to develop Vollsmose into an active part of Odense with urban life, communities and nature. The development will take place in stages and will gradually change the function and composition of the area.

The establishment of jobs in the area is a key element in this transformation.

“The development of Vollsmose is a long-term and binding partnership between the municipality and us. At AP Ejendomme, we have worked closely with municipalities for many years to develop mixed cities with workplaces, housing and urban life,” says Peter Olsson, CEO of AP Ejendomme, and continues:

“The workplaces in the office building will help bring life to the area. Our ambition is that it can help give Vollsmose a new beginning and speed up further development.”

A city in nature - with a focus on climate and biodiversity

The development of Vollsmose is taking place with a significant focus on nature and biodiversity. The area contains a unique and contiguous natural area of about 80 hectares, with forest, meadow, lake and marshland - a quality that is unusual for an urban area of this size.

The district plan builds on this position of strength and has, as its guiding principle, the development of Vollsmose as a city in nature, where nature-based solutions are integrated into urban spaces, rainwater management and the building structure.

The new office building will be constructed in recycled brick and will be certified DGNB Gold, with a particular focus on climate impact and resource consumption. The project is part of the overall strategy to unite urban development, climate adaptation and biodiversity.

“Vollsmose already has a natural quality that is unique in an urban context. Our task is to develop the area with respect for the existing landscape features and at the same time add new urban functions and jobs. The office building is a concrete example of how we can build with care - both architecturally and in climate terms - by densifying within an existing urban area,” says Peter Winther, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fremtidens Vollsmose P/S.

Framework for new workplaces

The office building will provide a framework for workplaces for, among others, Odense Municipality, the area development company Fremtidens Vollsmose, and a small commercial tenancy.

The building is adapted to the area’s existing buildings in terms of height, size and location. However, rather than appearing as one large, closed box, the building is composed of several parts, allowing room for small recesses and terraces that give it a vibrant and open expression. The building does not have a distinct front or back. No matter which direction you approach it from, you will encounter a carefully designed façade that opens up towards the city and the local community.

Arkitema is the architect for the project, COWI is the consulting engineer, and Nordstern is the turnkey contractor.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a phase in a transformation that will significantly change Vollsmose’s physical and social structure over the coming years – with nature as an active force and with the ambition of creating a sustainable, mixed and vibrant district.

Contact

Peter Olsson, CEO, AP Ejendomme
Tel.: +45 2098 5018
Email: pol@appension.dk

Peter Rahbæk Juel, Mayor of Odense Municipality
Press Adviser Oscar Vesterlund Westborg
Tel.: +45 40 35 25 53
Email: oscvw@odense.dk