The special landscape conditions mean that the city to a large extent is still connected to valuable blue and green structures, which, however, in modern times have been pressured and reduced in favor of the city’s vigorous development in the previous century – expansion of the harbor, closure of the river harbor, development of the city both on Bygholm meadows around the river and across the hill island to the north up to Nørrestrand.

Particularly repeated regulation of the Bygholm Stream, extensive development in the low meadow areas, and filling in of the river harbor have cut off and removed the original main waterway from the medieval town.

The great potential in restoring the old medieval core’s river and harbor course is about bringing the river back to the entire city. It is about repairing an entire city’s relationship and connection to its surrounding landscape, its own origins, and the central structure around which the city originally grew and was built.

THE RIVER BACK TO THE CITY
In the development plan, the Horsens city structure continues to be built upon with the three main connections: Nørregade, Søndergade, and Åboulevarden. Here, Åboulevarden is strengthened as a historic main street by restoring the river along with a new attractive promenade, which connects the city center and the harbor. The city center’s network of streets and alleys is extended through the new district and further down to the big-box stores in the south, making the Å district the transition between the city center and the big-box stores in the south.

By ensuring a better-connected and cohesive city, a foundation is created for an exciting urban life, where the harbor, city center, and nature are all integrated.

The development area includes several new urban neighborhoods, which will be developed with different identities that fit into the existing structures.

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