In Denmark, in recent years, intensive work has been done to decrease the amount of vulnerable living areas. The government’s approach is based on the fact that social housing associations can be forced, by the government, to tear down or sell up to 60 % of an area. Our approach, however, is based on voluntariness and cooperation. As the only large city in the country our hometown Aalborg has no residential area on the national ghetto list, and this is due to:

1. A long-term plan which has been established early on

2. Extensive cooperation with many actors

3. Extensive physical changes to the area

In the attached contribution we will specify how we have delivered measurable results through an innovative and creative approach to cocreation, which has changed the development in a vulnerable residential area. Please see the attached PDF for a full description.

Our collaboration model has its foundation in a close relationship between the business community, the social housing association, the municipality, the association community and a social enterprise. This is not a “right now” solution but a long-term strategy, which will ensure a good life for the residents of the area. The cooperation work functions as a wheel – momentum is in the centre, so all entities have to refer into the centre, which is cocreation. Every actor must contribute to the cocreation, if we want a positive change.

About Centre for Cocreation:

Centre for Cocreation is a ‘master plan’ which purpose is to ensure cohesion regarding the social residential efforts and development in the area in general. The centre is therefore tasked to ensure that the efforts are coordinated and put in context of all the other developments taking place in the area; this includes renovations and the interests of the business community. This is also true in relation to breaking the negative social inheritance and increase the educational and employment level in the area. Centre for Cocreation is a unit belonging to Himmerland Boligforening with employees who coordinate the endeavours of the area and help to ensure cohesiveness and continuity.

To ensure cohesiveness between the business communities’-, the residents’- and the city’s interests a strong and broadly founded management for Centre for Cocreation has been created. A local steering committee with representatives from several of the municipal administrations, the local business network and a social enterprise has been attached to Centre for Cocreation. Their task is to involve the local community and to contribute with their individual expert knowledge. In addition to this they ensure good access to their respective organisations.

As a new endeavour for a social housing association in Denmark we have become affiliated with a strong advisory board with a wide professional knowledge. They support Centre for Cocreation with guidance in relation to development and strategies.