Future of Kødbyen in Copenhagen sparks debate among residents and city politicians

The future of Kødbyen, a historic district in Copenhagen, is under discussion among local residents and city politicians at a town hall meeting. One of the potential scenarios includes the sale of the area to private investors. Buildings in Kødbyen, owned by the municipality, are significantly deteriorated and require costly renovations estimated to exceed one billion kroner.

Another option is for the municipality to retain ownership of Kødbyen, while a third scenario suggests financing renovations through fund structures. Kødbyen, once home to the city’s slaughterhouses and meat wholesalers, was transformed into a creative industry hub in the mid-2000s. Despite being designated a protected area, concerns are growing about the impact of privatization on its character.

Jakob Næsager, a member of the city council for the Conservative Party, favors the potential sale, arguing the municipality lacks the funds for renovation. However, he expressed concern that such a sale might lead to the loss of Kødbyen’s diversity, which is essential to its identity.

Opponents of privatization, like Thomas Egholm, chair of Vesterbro’s Local Committee, fear that the vibrancy and variety of businesses could vanish if private investors take over. Local business owners, such as Bo Bjerregaard from Galleri Bjerregaard, worry about rising rents pushing them out of the area.

The Social Democrats in the council aim to prevent Kødbyen from becoming a homogenized area like Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, emphasizing the need for municipal oversight in determining who leases space in Kødbyen. The city council will soon engage in budget negotiations to decide on the funding for the district’s renovation.