Written by Kenny Louring
Stensdal Group at Business Arena 2024: Debate on the future of Greater Copenhagen
Business Arena 2024 has just taken place and once again the conference was a gathering point for key players in the real estate and construction industry. With political, strategic and international themes on the program, the day provided plenty of food for thought - and plenty of energy for future projects.
This year's conference was opened by former Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, while Thomas Buch-Andersen from TV 2 NEWS steered the day's program as host. After the opening speech, the debate on the Future of Greater Copenhagen took place on the main stage, where our CEO, Søren Stensdal, participated together with Gustav Kragh-Jacobsen from Relieff Arkitekter and Kamilla Sevel from Estate Media.
New Fingerplan 2.0: What kind of capital region do we want in the future?
The opening debate at the Business Arena focused on a new Fingerplan 2.0 and the visions for a cohesive Greater Copenhagen. The focal point of the debate was what kind of capital region do we want in the future? What qualities should we protect and build on? How do we ensure a cohesive Greater Copenhagen and what impact will it have on the Danish construction and real estate industry?
Read on for insights into the suggestions and observations Søren Stensdal expressed and contributed to the debate on the main stage:
"The station proximity principle must be more flexible"
Søren emphasized that we can boost both sustainability and development potential if the requirements become less rigid. For example, he pointed out that it could make sense to look at nature protection requirements in areas close to stations and prioritize smarter solutions that save both time and resources.
"Commuter cyclists and bike sharing"
What if developers were required to think about green transportation from the start? Søren suggested that developers could be given more options in station areas. For example, establishing bathing facilities for cyclists, bike sharing and car sharing schemes.
"Don't forget the existing business areas"
With the Light Rail in the metropolitan area, a step has already been taken, but why not go further and support it with bike sharing? Søren also suggested subsidized schemes as part of the solution to make better use of existing buildings and workplaces.
"Rethink parking norms"
Søren argued for revising parking norms in areas close to stations. Instead of insisting on expensive and carbon-intensive parking construction, he suggested alternative measures such as car sharing, better bicycle parking and green transportation solutions.
"More biodiversity in the city"
Søren also touched on the topic of biodiversity. Here it was pointed out that there must be room for more nature - both in new and existing areas. Requirements for green areas that can act as "stepping stones" for wildlife could make a big difference, he said. If it can't be required directly, let's subsidize it, he urged.
Business Arena: An important meeting place
With inspiring speakers, sharp debates and plenty of networking opportunities, we thank Estate Media for being part of the program. Read more about the conference and see the best pictures from Business Arena 2024 via the link below.