The project involves devising a comprehensive solution for climate adaptation, nature restoration and stormwater management around Harrestrup River in Vigerslev Park. Focusing on landscaping-based stormwater management, natural value and urban vitality, this will be a collaborative, all-encompassing endeavour aimed at developing stormwater management solutions, expanding the river’s capacity, reinforcing the site’s uniqueness and enhancing the park’s natural value.
The project will be carried out by WSP with Schønherr as sub-consultant. It is part of the Harrestrup River Capacity Project, for which WSP is also the consultant.
Specific project goals include:
- Transforming Harrestrup River into a more natural waterway with more biological diversity.
- Creating space and habitats for a greater diversity of animal and plant life.
- Improve the site’s recreational value, including walking and recreational opportunities along the river.
- Ensuring better visibility between the park and the river.
- Increasing the river’s hydraulic conveyance capacity.
- Protecting nearby areas from flooding during torrential rains and high tides in Kalveboderne Bay.
- Ensuring that storm water can flow into the site and boosting the capacity to store and delay storm water.
The project vision statement issued by the City of Copenhagen's Technical and Environmental Department back in 2019 reads as follows:
Currently, the river is only partially visible from the park. The redevelopment will therefore ensure increased physical and visual accessibility. The river will be designed to handle heavy rainfall and to provide a better habitat for animals and plants. In addition, the river will be better integrated within the park’s recreational areas, with more nearby seating/amenities and better connectivity. The park's terrain will be designed to accommodate temporary flooding from the river and the surrounding watershed. Designed to prevent flooding and to protect the residents along the river, new landscaping will create new biotopes and improve the existing ones.
