City and Planning Committee considers DKK 6 million for temporary Bispetorv

On Wednesday 28 October 2026, the City and Planning Committee will consider the proposal to establish a temporary, flexible layout of Bispetorv in 2026–2028 for DKK 6 million from Budget 2024. The experience gained is to inform a later decision on the square’s permanent design.

What it means for you

City-centre residents will get a square that for three years will test staying, play, movement and events before politicians decide on the permanent layout. The first trial is an activity area aimed at children and families, including in winter. Dialogue with residents, local stakeholders and businesses will continue throughout. The furniture and fixtures may later be part of the final layout or reused in other public spaces.

Background

Technical and Environmental Affairs and Culture and Citizen Service assess that Bispetorv has strong potential as a place to stay and meet, but does not work optimally today. Some 30–40 cultural events are held on the square each year; between them it can feel empty. No decision has yet been taken on permanent layout.

The proposal of 21 September 2026 suggests temporary layout, with the edge used for staying while the centre changes roughly every six months. The period covers three winters and two summers. Later, a pavilion or similar structure may test outdoor serving. Aarhus Festival’s BLITZ initiative and other events should still be able to use the square, with possible adjustments.

The Municipal Executive recommended on 29 September 2026 that the byråd (city council) endorse the proposal. Danmarksdemokraterne, Socialistisk Folkeparti, Liberal Alliance, Radikale Venstre and Enhedslisten entered reservations. Aarhus City Council referred the case on 7 October 2026 to the City and Planning Committee.

According to the administration’s committee note of 8 October 2026, the original plan for an activity area in December 2026 in connection with Gløgg Skoven is no longer realistic. Only after political implementation can tendering and establishment proceed; excavation is expected in 2027. The administration will nevertheless support city life around Gløgg Skoven within the options available.

Figures and facts

• The project is funded with DKK 6 million allocated to strategic public spaces in Budget 2024, split as DKK 2 million in 2026, 2027 and 2028 for construction and associated operations (Appendix — Proposal).
• Culture and Citizen Service will supply movement and play elements from the «KB investment plan for sports and outdoor facilities» (Appendix — Proposal).
• Some 30–40 cultural events are held on the square each year (Appendix — Proposal).
• According to the administration, the pavilion can be scaled down to a budget of DKK 1 million, or omitted entirely, if politicians want to save money (Appendix — Note MTM 08.10.2026).
• Planned roll-outs: December 2026 (winter roll-out 1), summer 2027, winter 2027, summer 2028 and winter 2028 (Appendix — Proposal).
• In Budget 2026 the budget parties allocated DKK 10 million to the City Life Fund; the administration points out that stakeholders can apply to the fund for specific activities on Bispetorv (Appendix — Note MTM 07.10.2026 Status on the City Life Fund (added 07.10.2026)).

Who said what

In the city council debate on 7 October 2026, several parties stressed that the square stands empty between events and that the city centre needs more life. Jesper Kjeldsen (S) pointed to the city as a whole and a COWI report from January. Albert Rosenkrantz Conradsen (SF) raised questions among other things about reuse materials and the pavilion’s function. Isabella Heilmann (EL) asked about the quality of city life for DKK 6 million and the possibility of spending less. Mahad Yussuf (RV) asked about use of the City Life Fund. Gert Bjerregaard (V), Michael Christensen (LA), Gitte Sturm (DD), Thomas Kastrup Christensen (DF) and Nicolaj Bang (KF) also took part in the debate.

In the committee note, the administration responds that suitable reuse furniture for the first phase has not been found, that the pavilion can support involvement, exhibitions and for example coffee or gløgg, and that the largest single investment is the pavilion — which can be omitted if spending must be reduced.

What happens next

The City and Planning Committee will consider the proposal on Wednesday 28 October 2026. The proposal suggests temporary layout 2026–2028, funding of DKK 6 million and delivery of movement elements from Culture and Citizen Service. After a political decision, design, tendering and establishment can begin, with excavation in 2027 according to the administration.

Sources

• Agenda — Implementation of temporary public space on Bispetorv
• Appendix — Proposal
• Appendix — Note MTM 08.10.2026
• Appendix — Note MTM 07.10.2026 Status on the City Life Fund (added 07.10.2026)
• Aarhus Municipality meeting documents — meeting
• Aarhus Kommune

Other appendices

• Appendix — City council debate 07.10.2026