Transit Oriented Development in Copenhagen, Denmark: from the Finger Plan to Ørestad

Ørestad is Copenhagen’s linear new town being built over a 30 year period around stations on an elevated, driverless mini-metro line. Copenhagen Metro’s construction was to be financed by the sale to developers of publicly-owned land along the route. The Øresund Bridge from Malmö in Sweden also facilitates substantial international commuting by rail and road to Ørestad. This paper briefly assesses Copenhagen’s 60 year record of transit-oriented development since its internationally renowned 1947 Finger Plan. It focuses principally on analysing Ørestad’s progress since the late 1990s in creating transit-oriented development of jobs, housing and retail, education and leisure facilities. The paper finally examines how Ørestad is contributing to Copenhagen’s economic growth and relieving pressure on Copenhagen’s Central Business District.

► TOD principles have been maintained since Copenhagen’s 1947 Finger Plan. ► Metros can be financed, at least in part, by land value capture from development sites. ► Ørestad’s TOD has secured modal shift from car to public transport commuting. ► Ørestad has attracted additional investment and jobs to Copenhagen and expanded its catchment area. ► Copenhagen’s international competitiveness has been increased by Ørestad.