Liveable City event in Denmark

Tuesday the 8th of October The Trade Council London & Creative Denmark opened the doors at Creative Denmark’s office, for an afternoon filled with discussions on the market opportunities in Scotland for those interested in enhancing urban development, focusing on improving the quality of life in cities through sustainable planning and design.

 

 

Scottish Development International shared their vision for market opportunities in Scotland. Their presentation detailed ongoing and planned investments to create greener, sustainable cities, emphasising a £5 billion commitment to urban regeneration and sustainability initiatives. They discussed how Scotland aims to emulate Denmark, not only in design but in fostering cultural connections. Initiatives to encourage investment into Scotland and partnerships were outlined, touching on areas like renewable energy, space technology, and urban regeneration projects. Devolution and its role in local empowerment were also explored, showing how Scotland is drawing inspiration from Denmark’s model of regional autonomy.

 

They outlined opportunities within industrial sectors, mentioning specific initiatives such as Scotland’s public sector decarbonisation funds, the development of the Heat Network Fund, and urban redevelopment projects, including Freeports in Inverness and Forth, the Granton Waterfront, and major regeneration efforts in Dundee and Glasgow. The government emphasised Scotland’s openness to welcoming new business, despite challenges like Brexit. The Scottish commitment to sustainability and collaborative development aligns closely with Danish values, making Scotland an attractive partner for foreign investment.

Anne Marie Galmstrup, Founder of Galmstrup Architects, shared her experience in setting up a business in the UK and working on various projects in Scotland. She explored the importance of cultural understanding, particularly in building strong relationships with local contractors and clients. Galmstrup stressed the need for passion and a hands-on approach to successfully navigate the Scottish market.

 

 

She shared insights on key projects, highlighting the importance of long-term thinking, collaboration, and adapting to regional requirements like statutory compliance. Her experiences revealed that Scottish projects demand a mix of cultural sensitivity, a deep understanding of community dynamics, and a genuine willingness to be on the ground, engaging directly with people. Galmstrup’s discussion underlined how cultural norms, informal connections, and community involvement play pivotal roles in making projects successful in Scotland. Additionally, she noted that Scots are very open and willing to engage with new ideas, providing a welcoming environment for creative projects.

We are slowly but steadily putting the last touches on the Liveable Cities conference in Stirling and Glasgow alongside our partners from Scottish Cities Alliance and Royal Institute of Scottish Architects, if you want to secure a spot.

Please click here for further information.