Transforming Kalvebod Brygge in Copenhagen

We see great potential in transforming Kalvebod Brygge!

As the southern gateway to Copenhagen and a key link in the blue ring and promenade connecting the inner harbour, the area holds a unique strategic position. Despite its attractive and central location, Kalvebod Brygge today appears grey and dull, both along the waterfront and on the roadside.

In recent years, Sydhavnen has seen rapid expansion, and with the development of Jernbanebyen and new plans for Fisketorvet, Kalvebod Brygge can be a vital connection to the city centre. However, to realise the potential, a few key changes are needed.

One major opportunity lies in rethinking the oversized motorway system that currently defines the area. Kalvebod Brygge forms part of Ring 2, but a closer look at the traffic structure reveals an inconsistency: Vasbygade begins with four lanes, expands to six at Kalvebod Brygge, only to narrow again – first to four, then to two – by the time it reaches BLOX. This scaling up and down seems both inefficient and unjustified.

We propose a gradual downscaling of Ring 2 from four to two lanes as it approaches the city. This would free up large areas, allowing landowners to develop centrally located areas for office and commercial purposes. Meanwhile, we propose that the landowners’ ground floors facing the harbour are reserved – where possible – for public-oriented functions such as cafés and shops.

This transformation brings a win-win situation: Landowners gain value by developing their properties, while the city benefits from a vibrant harbourfront, an attractive urban boulevard, and a dignified entrance to the capital. Of course, realising this vision will require close collaboration between landowners and the City of Copenhagen.

On 30 April, all parties in the City Council decided that there should be ‘more life at Kalvebod Brygge’. We will follow with great interest!