After several years of political debate and citizen involvement, a decision has been reached on the expansion of the Port of Aarhus. Nearby Aarhus Ø, considered the city’s most vibrant quarter, is a much sought-after neighbourhood. But could the port expansion take a further toll on the residents, who are already troubled by construction noise?
It’s an icy day in February, yet the people of Aarhus Ø are out and about, walking by the promenade, running errands, having a coffee in one of the cafés. It seems as if they no longer even notice the noise coming from the numerous construction sites around them. The starting signal for Aarhus’ newest district was given in 1997, but building didn’t begin until 2007. Today, the former port area is home to striking architecture, a broad range of activities, and a maritime atmosphere due to its location right by the sea. Many large apartment towers – which could here be considered skyscrapers – provide a home for over 10.000 people. Aarhus Ø is however still developing, with many more buildings to be completed in the upcoming months and years.
The neighbourhood’s proximity to the port could soon mean even more cranes, diggers, and construction noise. On Wednesday evening, the majority of the city council agreed on the expansion of the Aarhus Port, the proposal was supported by the Social Democrats, the Conservatives, the Liberals, and the Socialist People’s Party. 43 hectares of additional space will be built by 2039, though this is far less than the initially anticipated 105 hectares. Opinions on the expansion were and are very much divided.
Simon Jepsen, a 33-year-old student who was lucky to find a cheap apartment in Aarhus Ø, hasn’t yet decided if he supports the port expansion or not. On the one hand, he supposes it is important to boost harbour business. On the other hand, he fears losing the view of the bay to even more industry. “The building work and noise are part of living out here”, Simon admitted. He enjoys living in the district because it is an open space and close to the sea. The buildings however are “not really his taste”.
Megan Overgaard, a 30-year-old mother who lives in the Lighthouse building with her family, said she is a realist. “I don’t think there is much we can do about the port expansion; it is going to happen regardless of what people think.” Similar to Simon, she likes living in Aarhus Ø because it is close to the water. “The only negative aspect would be that it is not completely done, so the building work.” Her concerns about the port expansion are mainly due to the severe loss of wildlife. However, Megan actually rather enjoys the view of the port, especially at night. “It will probably ruin the view of people in Marselisborg more than ours.”
The ongoing construction in Aarhus Ø seems to make its residents resilient to the next big project being built nearby. What cannot be overheard, however, is the dilemma they are facing when it comes to forming an opinion towards the expansion of the Aarhus Port.
