Byfornyelse

Byfornyelse, often translated as urban renewal, is a Danish policy and practice focused on renewing urban districts through coordinated interventions in housing, infrastructure, public spaces and services.

Its objectives include improving living conditions, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and the attractiveness of cities for residents and businesses.

Typical measures involve refurbishment or replacement of housing blocks, upgrading streets and public spaces, new mixed-use developments, and improvements to schools, childcare, transport links, and utilities. Participation and social inclusion are often emphasized, with efforts to involve residents in planning and mitigate displacement.

Implementation is usually led by municipal authorities in cooperation with housing associations, national or regional government, and private developers, and funded through public budgets, state subsidies, and sometimes loans or external funding.

Since the mid- to late 20th century, byfornyelse has been applied in many Danish cities and towns as part of broader urban development strategies, sometimes integrated with sustainability goals and economic regeneration.

Critics note that physical renewal may not address underlying social problems and can lead to gentrification or temporary displacement if accompanied by insufficient social measures.