Over the past decade, Roskilde’s city centre has undergone significant development. To further enhance this process, Roskilde Municipality is launching a comprehensive renewal project for the central thoroughfare of Algade and Hestetorvet, the arrival square at Roskilde Station.

The overarching vision for the project is to create a cohesive urban square and streetscape that supports the municipality’s strategy to strengthen the city centre as an attractive destination for commerce and visitors.

Roskilde Municipality is focusing on three main themes in the project: Renewal and Preservation, Green and Beautiful Streets and Urban Spaces, and Art, Play, and Movement.

Following a tender process, Roskilde municipality has appointed MASU Planning as the lead consultant for the renewal of Hestetorvet and Algade.

Planned improvements for Hestetorvet include leveled outdoor dining areas and lush greenery that separates surrounding traffic while creating recreational spaces within the square. To minimize the climate footprint, as many existing materials as possible will be reused on both Hestetorvet and Algade.

Algade is transformed from a disjointed corridor into an inviting urban space. This will be achieved by adding greenery, outdoor furniture along the street, establishing a safer traffic hierarchy, and enhancing the identity of Algade’s three squares.

Sune Oslev, partner at MASU Planning and project leader, states:

“Neither Hestetorvet nor Algade currently meets the needs of residents, businesses, or visitors. Our vision is to improve functionality, enhance the overall experience, and revitalize urban life in the city centre. We aim to tidy up, create better connections to the surroundings, and introduce green elements. Our goal is to establish a dignified entrance to Roskilde and a classic main street that meets modern demands for functionality and climate adaptation, while respecting the existing qualities of the city centre and enhancing its potential.”

Dialogue meetings with local stakeholders are underway, and project proposals for the first phase will be prepared in the spring. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2025.

FACT BOX – Renewal of Algade and Hestetorvet
Client: Roskilde Municipality
Lead Consultant: MASU Planning
Area: Approx. 5,000 m²
Timeline: 2024–2025