Improvements will take the form of radical changes to the physical environment. The project is the first of its kind in Denmark, and will mean that, in 20 years’ time, Gellerup and Toveshøj will look very different to today. The area must be opened up so Gellerup becomes part of Aarhus, and vice versa.
Change takes time, and the master plan therefore looks 20 years into the future. The first physical changes will commence in 2013.
In brief, the project involves:
More jobs
New workplaces will move into the area – for example, 500 municipal workplaces will be transferred to new business premises.
A cleaner, safer district
Better street cleaning and rubbish removal, better lighting, more open green spaces between the residential blocks, new neighbourhoods and roads will make it more pleasant and safe to move around.
New main street
The main street stretches through the area from City Vest in the south to Bazar Vest in the north, traversing the district’s new main square Verdenspladsen – ‘The World Square’. The main street will be home to a vibrant mix of businesses, and it will be possible for both local residents and business-owners from the rest of Aarhus to set up shop here.
New elongated city park
The park stretches like a green wedge from north to south and will accommodate playing fields, green areas, a network of pedestrian footpaths and jogging routes. The city park will become a focal point for outdoor cultural and sporting activities in Gellerup and Toveshøj.
New road system
A new ring road and new transverse streets will tie the area together, at the same time opening up the district towards the rest of Aarhus with roads leading outwards – among other things towards the ring road Åby Ringvej.
New neighbourhoods
The main street and transverse streets naturally divide the district into smaller neighbourhoods, each with its own special characteristics. New, low-rise residential blocks and new buildings will be constructed between the existing blocks of flats, and each neighbourhood will have its own central square. Penthouse flats and gabled units will be built on top of some of the blocks.
New business and residential area near the ring road
The areas along the ring road Åby Ringvej will be developed to make space for housing and commercial property, opening up the district towards the rest of Aarhus.
Several housing types
Owner-occupied housing, cooperative housing units, senior housing and youth housing will, together with non-profit public housing, help to make Gellerup and Toveshøj an urban district for everyone, including businesses and shops. Two blocks of flats will therefore be transformed to house other types of flats and municipal workplaces, the flats in two other blocks will be sold for private ownership, and three blocks will be demolished to make space for new buildings and the main street.