Opinion: The best news in years for business in Copenhagen
Plans for a new business district at Avedøre Holme is the best news in years for business in Copenhagen, writes Chairman of DI Capital Region, CEO Poul Skadhede, Valcon.
Major kudos to the government and Hvidovre Municipality. At a time when Copenhagen is in dire need of attractive commercial property, the two parties have unveiled plans for the establishment of northern Europe’s largest business district, measuring 2.4 million square metres.
The government and Hvidovre Municipality are today tied in first place when it comes to the capital’s growth. Copenhagen is still the country’s growth engine, but if we are to maintain that position, we need to make space for businesses. Nine artificial islands off Avedøre Holme, known as Holmene, will offer that space.
Holmene will provide a commercial district that is far away from residential areas but close to motorways, universities and the airport. This is ideal. It will be attractive for almost all types of businesses, also those dependent on heavy haulage, for example. Businesses with chimneys, heavy traffic or odour and hazardous production can operate without causing nuisance to the surroundings.
Holmene will provide space for businesses that residents of Copenhagen don’t want as a neighbour.
Together, we can create a business district on Holmene that all types of businesses from Denmark and abroad will want to invest in. CEO Poul Skadhede, Valcon.
Will create thousands of jobs
These types of manufacturing companies have difficulty finding suitable property other places in Greater Copenhagen. However, just like IT, biotech and energy tech companies, they are vital for Danish business.
They generate growth and thousands of jobs, and it is therefore essential that they be thought into the capital’s future business community.
Together, we can create a business district on Holmene that all types of businesses from Denmark and abroad will want to invest in. The area will benefit the entire capital region: New Danish and international companies attracted by the location, new innovation, new residents, taxpayers and thereby growth and prosperity for all Danes.
But this will require support – among other things, for the development of better infrastructure – from the state, region and municipalities of the capital region. I look forward to the future collaboration on the final project.
