We won: JAJA to transform former factory into culture centre in Faaborg

We are very happy and proud to announce that our proposal for transforming ‘Slagteribygningen Faaborg’ has been selected as the winner! Together with BBP, Søren Jensen and LYTT we will help transform the former factory into an open, vibrant hub for culture, community and food innovation.

Our proposal is based on a progressive but simple approach: Preserve as much of the existing building as possible and add only what is necessary to create an open and future-proof centre of life and culture. The judging panel highlighted the project’s architectural quality, high flexibility and effective use of natural light.

“The winning project strikes precisely the balance we have been looking for: respect for the building’s industrial heritage combined with open and inviting architecture that can accommodate both everyday life and large communal experiences,” says Gyrithe Saltorp, chair of the board of Ejendomsfonden Slagteribygningen.

An indoor square as a catalyst for life

At the heart of the project is a large indoor square – a flexible space where library functions, community life, culture, events, and food entrepreneurship come together. From here, activities flow into each other and out into the surrounding harbour-side spaces.

Introducing a lightweight roof structure – “The Lantern” – the design brings natural light deep into the building while the façade preserves the building’s gravitas and makes it more open and welcoming.

A new gathering place for Faaborg – and for Southern Denmark

Constructed in 1974, Slagteribygningen handled the production and distribution of prepared meals. Production grew in line with the increasing demand for convenient food, and the Slagteribygningen building was continuously expanded with additional wings. Now the building will once again play a central role in the life of the town – this time as a hub for culture, knowledge, food and community.

“The transformation of the Slagteribygningen is a key project in the development of Faaborg Harbour and the town as a whole. With the winning project, Faaborg will gain a new cultural and social hub that will strengthen local communities, support entrepreneurship and help attract visitors to the entire area,” says Hans Stavnsager, former mayor of Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality and member of the judging committee that selected the winning project.

An inspiration

With the project, we seek to inspire and show smaller Danish towns how to rethink empty industrial buildings, providing new quality of life and local pride – without sacrificing history.

The Slagteribygningen project shows how existing buildings can become an active driving force in urban development. It is not just about architecture, but about communities, sustainability and creating places that are meaningful to people – even outside the major cities, says Stine Lea Jacob, Director of Philanthropy at Realdania

Opening in 2028

We are now looking ahead to the next phase, where the project will be further developed towards the start of construction in early 2027.
Until construction begins, the building will continue to provide a setting for activities and events for the city’s residents. The transformed Slagteribygningen is expected to open in mid-2028.

At the same time, work is underway to develop the future identity of the transformed building – including a new name that will reflect the building’s future content and function.

The project is made in collaboration with Realdania, the Nordea Foundation, the Danish Arts Foundation and Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality.