The story of Nordkraft
Nordkraft was built in 1947 and originally contained the city’s power station. The station employed 384 people. It has been expanded several times because of the increasing electricity consumption. In 1999 the station was finally closed down. Now the old building started a new chapter in its long history.
Converting the building into flats and shops would be the obvious solution but fortunately, Aalborg Kommune had a bigger vision and in 2005 project Nordkraft was started. The plan was to renovate the building respecting its original appearance and soul. The architect firm CUBU- akitekterne A/S from Aarhus, Denmark had the right solution and they won the undertaking of the total renovation. In 2009 the first event was held in Nordkraft.
The price of the whole building amounts to 410 million Danish kroner. That does not include the 13 million which were spent on buying the site and the expenses for creating the outdoor areas. Today, the largest residents are Aalborg Kommune which occupies 6,500 sq. m., DGI-huset 5,000 sq. m. and Skråen 4,000 sq. m. Furthermore, there are a number of smaller residents. All the residents are organised in an owners’ association headed by a committee.
Nordkraft today
Today Nordkraft is a constant mix of activities, culture, sports and leisure set in an atmosphere of “new york architecture” right in the middle of the city. Nordkraft is teeming with clubs, organisations and learning under e.g Aalborg University, oplysningsforbundene and Aalborg Kulturskole which offers education within music, painting and drama. KUL was started by Aalborg Kulturskole and works as a café, concert room, point of events and information with practice facilities and workshops within music, journalism, media, dance, theater and arts.
In Kunsthal Nord you will find Danish and international paintings, handicrafts and design which reflects the present society. At the same time it is a platform and meeting place for debate and presentation of culture using events such as lectures, Artist Talks and concerts. All events are admission free.
Skråen offers a variety of music, shows and events with Danish as well as international performers. Teater Nordkraft has four auditoriums where different plays entertain and challenge the audience. Biffen is Aalborg’s independent cinema where film lovers can enjoy a range of good films.
DGI-huset offers a variety of sports such as trampoline, badminton and Denmark’s largest climbing wall. End your day with a healthy meal at the “Green Café” where the food is made from fresh and often organic produce of the season. At Nordkraft you will also find a health center and sports for the disabled.
At restaurant Azzurra you can try delicious Italian cooking.
Nordkraft - facts and figures
Nordkraft’s development from 1949-2009
1949: The original Nordkraft was a coal-burning power station with 384 employees of which 100 were employed in the running of the station.
19958-59: Nordkraft has been expanded several times as a consequence of the increasing power consumption. Kedelhuset is the result of one of these expansions.
1997: Nordkraft produced its last kilowatt. Subsequently, the citizens of Northern Jutland get the main part of their power and district heating from Jyllandsværket at Vodskov.
1999: The last employee left Nordkraft.
2004: Aalborg Kommune bought the site as well as the building which is Nordkraft today.
2005: Aalborg Kommune decided to start project Nordkraft. Many people had suggestions for the future use of the building; one suggestion was a Children’s house of culture.
2007: The renovation of Nordkraft as a powerhouse of culture and leisure was begun. It was carried out by CUBU-arkitekterne A/S from Aarhus with Lars Juel Thiis at the front.
2009: The 6th and 7th of June Nordkraft held a reception attended by approximately 6,000 people.
Nordkraft today
Nordkraft have a total of 30,000 m2 at its disposal
The building contains 16 “owner-occupied flats”. Some of the residents have bought a “flat” and others only rent one.
The main residents of Nordkraft are Aalborg Kommune which occupies 6,500 m2, DGI Nordjylland 5,000 m2 and Skråen 4,000 m2.
Other residents are Teater Nordkraft, Restaurant Azzurra, Biffen Art Cinema, SIFA, Kunsthal Nord, Destination NORD, Aalborg University e.t.c.
They are all organised in an owners’ association headed by a committee.
Regulations for the use of public areas in Nordkraft
- Smoking is not allowed - smokers are referred to the outdoor areas with ashtrays or a smoking cabin.
- Performances, exhibitions and other artistic displays only by agreement.
- Ball games, skateboarding and rollerskating are only allowed outside.
- It is not allowed to bring your own food and beverages (except for day-care centres).
- No animals are allowed in Nordkraft.
- Advertising- and campaign activities only by agreement with the owners’ association.
- Vandalism and graffiti will be reported to the police.
- Several of the public areas in Nordkraft are monitored by cameras for your safety.
- Help us keep Nordkraft clean - use the dustbins.