Frequently asked questions
Who came up with the vision of Holmene?
The vision of Holmene was developed by Hvidovre Municipality. The idea was born three years ago, after which we conducted a series of studies looking at the geological conditions, nature and environment, sea currents, and traffic. We have also been in ongoing dialogue with neighbouring municipalities, business organisations, agencies, associations, universities, investors and stakeholders.
What is the role of the Danish Government in the project?
The Government has decided to support the vision, and Holmene will now be incorporated into the Government’s overall plan for Greater Copenhagen. The state is an important player in terms of developing the framework for business in Greater Copenhagen and meeting the challenges relating to traffic.
What factors are driving the vision?
The main driver is the high demand for commercial plots at Avedøre Holme. Land is being sought by modern logistics companies, high tech manufacturers, warehouses, etc. Hvidovre Municipality is fully developed and does not have vacant space for these types of businesses elsewhere.
How much will it cost to build the nine new islands, and how will the project be funded?
Construction of the islands will cost 2.3 billion DKK. This cost will be covered by the money we receive for accepting the earth that will be used in the construction. Additional costs of establishing fibre-optic networks, bridges, roads and sewers will amount to 475 million DKK. Meanwhile, the municipality will receive income of approximately 1.4 billion DKK in connection with the sale of the commercial plots.
The islets of Holmene will be built one by one so that the first businesses can move in as soon as the first islet is completed.
How much will it cost taxpayers and impact the municipality’s finances?
Holmene will not cost taxpayers in Hvidovre one cent – the project is designed to fund itself, which means that it will not negatively impact the municipality's finances at all. In fact, the overall balance sheet for the project shows that the construction of Holmene will generate income of approximately 1 billion DKK from the sale of commercial plots at Holmene. Hvidovre Municipality’s share of these profits will correspond to its share of ownership in the future consortium.
Where will the earth for the islets come from – and is there enough earth?
The earth will come from construction projects in Greater Copenhagen. COWI estimates that there is enough earth for Holmene in Hvidovre and Lynetteholmen deriving from projects planned in Greater Copenhagen over the next 30 years. Furthermore, earth is available from projects throughout Denmark and surplus earth can also be imported from Sweden. These last two options serve as a backup plan if, contrary to expectations, sufficient earth cannot be sourced within Greater Copenhagen.
What do you mean when you say that Holmene is a green and “nature plus” project?
Holmene will be green in many ways. One of the islets – Green Tech Island – will house one of the world’s most modern plants, with operations that include the transformation of wastewater into green energy. There will also be a general focus on attracting businesses that use green technology and are committed to sustainability and innovation.
Holmene will also be green in a very literal sense. The nine islets will be rich in plant vegetation, adding 17 km of new coastline and 700,000 square metres of new nature. With Holmene, we will create nature areas and biodiversity of a scope and quality that – at a very minimum – offsets any natural areas impacted by the construction of the islets. That is what makes Holmene a “nature plus” project.
Lastly, Holmene will be green in the sense that it will offer a range of new recreational activities for citizens: a bird tower, cycle paths, kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, etc.
How will Holmene affect traffic and congestion?
There are already challenges in terms of congestion on and around Amager Motorway and Avedøre Holme, and it is clear that up to 12,000 new jobs at Holmene will only add to these challenges. Therefore, we are focused on improving the traffic conditions for public transport, motorists and cyclists. The Government also has a focus on traffic in the area. For example, the Finance Act for 2019 allocates funding for a preliminary study on expanding the capacity of Amager Motorway.
We expect that the traffic problems will be solved by the time we open the first islet.
What plans are there for public transport in relation to Holmene?
We recently approved the upgrade of bus line 500S from Glostrup Station to Avedøre Holme, effective 2024, and we are also working for the future establishment of light rail service to Avedøre Holme.
How will Holmene impact Hvidovre and the region in terms of noise and pollution?
We will minimise noise as much as possible – both during construction and after Holmene is completed. During the construction of Holmene, we plan to implement mandatory routes for lorries transporting earth so as to minimise inconveniences for citizens.
Holmene is a long-term project. It will be possible to utilise new technologies to reduce noise impacts for citizens and to ensure that businesses in the district comply with the applicable policies and regulations in an area with green values and housing.
How can Holmene be used for flood protection of Copenhagen and Hvidovre?
The nine islets will also have a flood protection function. The 5.5-metre-high dikes around the islets will be able to withstand heavy storms and high waters.
What types of industry and business will there be at Holmene?
Hvidovre Municipality’s vision is that Holmene will be home to various types of businesses – both in terms of size and industry. But they will all share a green and sustainable profile. We also work to promote business symbiosis, where businesses in related industries are work side by side to foster innovation and product development collaborations.