Gottlieb Paludan Architects has drafted a development plan for the provincial town of Otterup (pop. 5,000) in North Funen Municipality.

Otterup’s development plan is based on the principle that attractive landscapes and urban environments are given high priority when prospective newcomers are deciding where to settle down.

The development plan contains strategic proposals for urban and business development, infrastructure and tourism. At the same time, the plan highlights several focus points which could increase the recreational use of local landscapes and improve the quality of the urban environment.

The urban focus point concentrates on improving visual appearance along approach roads and the town centre. The history of the town as a provincial village with a railway station manifests itself here in the development structure and the old buildings around the square.

The scenic focus points are associated with common open spaces and recreational landscapes surrounding the town linking Otterup to the surrounding farmland. The plan also proposes a new local forest, as well as a regional network of paths.

Sharing a vision for the future could prove an independent factor in determining whether the town will continue to be an attractive place to live. For this reason, local residents were involved in the process through workshops and a website where residents could submit ideas and comment on uploaded sketches and photos.

Visualizations: Gottlieb Paludan Architects