Ringsted and Holbæk attract residents with homes and transport links

Ringsted and Holbæk are growing as new housing and transport links draw residents to towns between Denmark’s largest cities and shrinking rural districts, DR reports.

Holbæk residents can reach Copenhagen in about an hour by regional train or motorway, while house prices remain within reach. Ringsted’s mayor, Andreas Karlsen, says the municipality also has many new housing developments planned and is working to make the most of its location.

The share of economically active residents has risen by about four per cent in both municipalities over the past six years. The increase is smaller than in suburbs closer to major cities, but contrasts with a decline in the same group in neighbouring Kalundborg and Odsherred municipalities. The pattern is also seen in Jutland.

Helle Nørgaard, a senior researcher at Aalborg University, says towns close to major cities can benefit from access to jobs, even when those jobs are outside the municipality. Longer-distance commuting also helps, she says.

Both mayors say population growth can strengthen municipal finances and support public services. Holbæk’s recent budget agreement says growth strengthens the community and creates better opportunities to improve welfare services. Ringsted has set aside money for a package to encourage people to settle there and support urban development.

Holbæk’s mayor, Christina Krzyrosiak Hansen, says the municipality has worked deliberately to increase its population, including by asking residents and people in other municipalities what kinds of homes they need.

Ringsted has lost major employers in recent years, including the Danish Crown slaughterhouse and electrical socket manufacturer Schneider Electric. Karlsen says attracting new residents is therefore important. He says the municipality welcomes people, while acknowledging that its housing plans are also aimed at attracting residents with above-average incomes.