Sustainable urban development

In recent years Aalborg has undergone a considerable change. It has been based on the guiding principles on sustainable urban development as laid out by the Aalborg Commitments. Industry along the harbour front and in central urban areas has moved away and resulted in large urban areas becoming prime spots for regeneration. The development from industrial city to a city characterized by knowledge and culture has gone hand in hand with Aalborg University's expansion to around 14,000 students.

Regenerated harbour front area Jomfru Ane Parken, Central Harbour front of Aalborg

The new waterfront plays a central role in the transformation of Aalborg from industrial city to experience and knowledge city. One of the aims of this transformation is to link recreation, education and culture in the harbour area that runs adjacent to the centre of Aalborg. This includes institutions such as Nordkraft, the city's former power station, which has been converted into a centre for culture and leisure, where art, sport, music, theatre, film and restaurants are all combined under one roof, the Utzon Center, an international exhibition and knowledge centre, and in 2013 the House of Music.

In the central harbour front project, cultural heritage has been taken as a starting point - historical traces are used in a new context with new functions and new connections in the city. The actual harbour front area as a transition area between the city and the water was, as opposed to the urban regeneration between the bridges, seen as an important asset which had to be maintained, albeit with new content. Creating a raw, maritime environment with historical traces was emphasized. As an example, the railway tracks were reused in the paving as guiding elements for the disabled and to organize furniture such as benches and garbage containers. The harbour quay and bollards are also intact - though steps have been cut into the quay in order to provide a place for people to sit. Furthermore, there has recently been established a harbour bath along with several other areas for leisure and sports activities. An important aspect of the design has been not to blur, but to emphasize, the maritime and industrial atmosphere.

Owing to the regeneration of the harbour front and a range of urban spaces and building projects in the city centre, the city centre is currently expanding to the North-East, and new patterns of movement and green connections are being created. This marks a comprehensive reconstruction of the city centre and central harbour areas.