Plans revived: Old square project back on the table in the city centre

A year ago, there were major plans for Bredegade Torv in Aalborg.

The run-down buildings were to be removed, the church was to be brought into view, and an entirely new urban space was to be created in the heart of Aalborg.

But the plans were put on hold because of problems with the development agreement that had been made with Aalborg Municipality – as was also the case with several other projects around the city.

And since then, nothing has happened at the square.

But last Friday, the plans were brought back to the table – and the new square has now moved one step closer to becoming a reality.

Awaiting a new local development plan

On Friday, Bredegade Torv was discussed by the Technical and Environmental Committee, with City-Ejendomme Aalborg director Hans Andersen and Councillor for Technical and Environmental Affairs Peter Lindholt (DD) also taking part.

According to Hans Andersen, it was a good meeting.

“I can tell that the new councillor is listening. The ball is now in the court of Aalborg Municipality and the councillor when it comes to drawing up a new local development plan or an amendment to the existing plan, so we can move forward with Bredegade Torv,” he says.

And although there is goodwill from everyone involved, it could still take a long time before all the formalities are in place and construction can begin.

“It could easily take two or three years before everything is completed. But we hope Aalborg Municipality will work quickly. We are completely dependent on the way they work, and there is nothing we can do about that ourselves,” he says.

The plans could change

When MigogAalborg wrote about the project last year, the visualisations showed a dramatically transformed Bredegade Torv, with new modern buildings and an open view towards Vor Frue Kirke.

However, the finished project may not end up looking exactly like that.

“I can’t say much about that right now. Perhaps the architectural style will be more similar to the surrounding buildings.

“We have no problem building something that resembles the existing architecture in the area, with beautiful details,” he says.

The former city architect helped create the original visualisations of the square, and since then Aalborg Municipality has appointed a new city architect.

See the old visualisations here.

The plans for what the new buildings will contain could also change.

Hans Andersen believes that this may not necessarily be the best time to establish a large number of new retail spaces in the area.

Instead, options such as ground-floor housing for older people could be considered.

But only time will tell, he emphasises.

A fresh coat of paint in the meantime

Until there is clarity about the larger plans, the existing buildings on Bredegade will remain in place and continue to deteriorate.

This includes Bredegade 12, where City-Blomster is located.

Despite the building’s worn appearance, Hans Andersen rejects the suggestion that it is in danger of collapsing.

Quite the opposite.

“It’s a strong building. It survived the latest storm without a single roof tile coming off,” he says, adding:

“We’re going to paint the façade again, and then we hope no new graffiti appears.”

The painting work will begin within the next few weeks, he says.

And he hopes that the plans for the new Bredegade Torv will soon begin moving forward in earnest.