BOGL: In 2017, BOGL won the competition to develop a masterplan for new urban spaces at the former slaughterhouse site in trading town Holstebro. The phased masterplan, including the layout of public spaces and infrastructure, outlines a cohesive development strategy for the site aiming to bring life to an otherwise desolate and enclosed part of the city.
Since winning the competition, BOGL has acted as lead consultant and landscape architect working over several years to bring the masterplan’s projects to life. Phase 1—which includes two larger, urban spaces and the promenade—has been completed, while phase 2 is currently in the detailing stage.
The first public spaces combine areas for street activities, culture, events, and social gathering, all connected by a continuous promenade with green seating zones. The design draws heavily on the site’s cultural history and architectural heritage. A recurring red theme references the area’s past as a slaughterhouse and complements the iconic red brick buildings that the public spaces weave around. Examples include red-painted steel structures, a promenade cast in red-tinted concrete, and planting beds where tree trunks and perennials rise from a base of crushed red brick—elements that emphasize the raw, industrial identity of the site.
The red promenade is a wide pathway for both cyclists and pedestrians, forming the backbone of the site. Public spaces, activities, housing, roads, and trails connect to this central spine. Its zigzagging layout and varied edges create small plazas along the route for rest, sport, and play. The promenade remains open and set apart from the buildings, helping define spaces and edge zones between the path and its surroundings.
Slagtertorvet is the name of the district’s central plaza. It connects directly to the slaughterhouse building via a broad staircase, which functions as informal seating or event stands. Designed as an extension of the slaughterhouse architecture, the square is laid out to accommodate the many activities associated with the cultural center and venue, Slagteriet, allowing them to spill out into the public realm. The space serves as a stage, marketplace, and popular meeting point—particularly for the city’s youth and students. In addition, the area features a skate park, a multi-use court for street sports, barbecue zones, and numerous seating opportunities.
Together, the public spaces and the promenade tie the area into a unified whole establishing a strong identity and transforming it into a distinct and vibrant place within the city.
Landscape Architecture: BOGL
Other designers involved in the design of landscape: Lendager Group, Knud Aarup Kappel
Project location: Struervej 32, DK-7500 Holstebro
Design year: 2017
Year Built: 2024
Team: OJ Rådgivende Ingeniører (engineer), Kaj Bech (contractor)
Photographer: Kirstine Autzen, Mikkel Eye
