Aiming to develop Denmark’s largest marina outside the Copenhagen area, the Marina City project in Kolding plans to expand Marina Syd (southern marina) and relocate vessels from Lystbådehavn Nord (northern marina), creating space for around 1,000 wet berths. The first phase of the project is now complete, and the new facilities are due to open to the public on 13 October.

In a press release issued today, Kolding Municipality invited residents and visitors to the opening of Marina City’s first phase, featuring a new promenade, coastal protection, a service building, a vessel storage and event area, and a slipway for trailer boats and dinghies. More than one kilometre of Skamlingvejen, a road adjacent to the marina, has also been rerouted, alongside revised crossings and preparations for future bus services.

The invitation also gives visitors a chance to hear about the future of Marina City and the wider marina redevelopment, which the municipality said still depend on regulatory approvals. Applications for the next stages of the project are expected to be submitted to the Danish Coastal Authority at the end of 2026, followed by a review process before development continues in phases into the early 2030s.

Marina Syd is planned to expand to receive vessels relocated from Lystbådehavn Nord as it prepares to close for future commercial port use, given its ageing facilities, limited space and proximity to the commercial port, railway and busy roads. The expanded southern marina would accommodate around 1,000 wet berths and at least 500 vessels on land, plus clubhouses, workshops, fishermen’s sheds, boathouses, motorhome spaces and water sports facilities.

The wider development plans to construct about 325-350 homes on existing land and add up to 29 houseboats along the two outer piers. It also proposes creating new land through reclamation and up to 1.5 hectares of floor space for maritime businesses and service companies.

Mayor Jakob Ville said the project is intended to bring Kolding closer to the water and make the area accessible to more people, even those who do not own boats. He added that the municipality has invested in the site and is continuing work that can proceed before the remaining approvals are granted.

Images from Kolding Municipality.