When Thomas B. Thriges Street was constructed in the 1960s, a large part of Odense’s historic city centre was demolished to make way for progress and modern traffic flow. The creation of this major central artery was the most radical intervention in Odense’s urban and transport structure and has since been a highly debated element in the city’s planning. Critics argued, among other things, that Thomas B. Thriges Street cut across the city, dividing the historic Hans Jensens Stræde—home to Hans Christian Andersen’s birthplace—and, not least, splitting Odense city centre in two.
Many years later, in 2008, the City of Odense decided to transform the heavily trafficked Thomas B. Thriges Street into a new, dense urban space with room for housing, offices, cultural institutions, restaurants, cafés and a large parking facility. In 2010, Realdania joined the project through a partnership agreement with the municipality. Under this agreement, Realdania co-funded the transformation of the district with the same amount as the City of Odense, contributing DKK 255 million.
Making space for both urban life and cars
The transformation of Thomas B. Thriges Street has now been completed. The urban development project covers an area of 51,000 square metres and stretches 700 metres through a part of the city that dates back to the 11th century. Planning began in 2008, and four years later, in 2012, the architectural firm Entasis was selected as the winner of the design competition and went on to develop the masterplan for the area.
Construction began in 2014, and the full transformation of the district was completed in 2021. Approximately 53,000 square metres of floor space have been developed across three quarters, distributed as roughly 65% housing, 25% commercial uses and up to 10% retail. An integrated underground parking facility ensures that parking is centrally located in relation to urban life. In 2016, the first 500 parking spaces opened, supported by an intelligent parking guidance system directing drivers to available spaces, while five access points ensure clarity and ease of entry and exit. A further 500 spaces opened in 2019. As originally planned, the entire parking facility has since been sold.
From a large Danish city to a Danish metropolis
The vision for the new district, completed in 2021, has been to re-establish Odense’s city centre as a coherent urban area, characterised by a dense and sustainable urban life that can support the continued development of Odense as an attractive metropolitan city. The ambition is that more residents and businesses will be drawn to Odense because of its appeal as a sustainable and liveable city.
Sustainability is a key foundation of the new district, encompassing environmental considerations, resource use, social diversity and economic viability. Environmental concerns have been integrated both during the construction phase and in the finished urban area. At the same time, the district has been designed as an inclusive city space, welcoming people of all ages, social backgrounds and cultures.
Through-traffic is now redirected away from the city centre, which has to a much greater extent been freed from cars.