Culture

Cultural activities and initiatives will be the driving force behind the urban development

The intention is for the new part of Køge to be home to a wide variety of cultural functions, activities and offers. Significant public elements could include a new culture centre on Søndre Havn, attractive urban spaces and a new Søndre Strand (South Beach).
The cultural activities will be based around - and build on - the opportunities and activities that already exist in the area. These include Tapperiet, a multi-faceted youth culture centre for young people aged 15-20. The centre has open-air facilities such as a skater park, climbing tower and outdoor cinema screen, as well as indoor music facilities such as rehearsal rooms, concert stages and street-dance studios. In addition, Søndre Havn is already the natural home of three associations: the canoeing and kayaking club, the rowing club and the Valkyrie Association for winter swimmers. These three associations contribute to maintaining a high level of activity centred around access to the water.

Over and above continuing the existing activities, one of the goals of the project is to attract new cultural activities, both temporary and permanent. Søndre Havn in particular is expected to be the site of a range of urban spaces ideal for cultural and recreational purposes - from café lifestyle to spontaneous sports. It is also expected that opportunities for art in public spaces will be included in the urban creation plans.

Culture will contribute to raising the profile of the area, and is expected to encourage companies to move there, as well as to make the new part of the town lively and thriving.

In this way, Køge Kyst wishes to utilise culture as a significant driving force behind the urban renewal, as seen in Barcelona and at the Emscher Park project - the renovation of the old Ruhr district.

In 2008, the town council of the Municipality of Køge adopted a cultural plan for Søndre Havn and the Station Area, which will be included as part of the basis for the work.

Culture, quality and marketing pool
A pool of DKK 30 million has been earmarked for the coming 5-year period to contribute to supporting new cultural initiatives in the area, and to develop and highlight existing cultural attractions. The culture and marketing pool is to contribute to raising the profile of the area among investors and companies - and, in particular, promote social interaction and well-being in the new part of the town.

› Read about the Municipality of Køge's Cultural Plan for Søndre Havn and
the Station Area (in Danish)