The historic buildings on Copenhagen’s Købmagergade, one of the city’s main shopping streets, are being transformed into a mixed-use redevelopment of new retail and a 243-room boutique hotel by innovative hotel company 25hours hotels. The project will create a new quarter for shopping and relaxation at the northern end of Købmagergade and will see the historic buildings restored and their heritage features enhanced.
Once the location of a noble mansion, by the mid-18th century the network of buildings, passageways and courtyards became established as a home for the textile and publishing industries supporting the university, including tailors, bookbinders, publishers and scholars. The buildings were acquired by the University of Copenhagen in 1969, and used as teaching facilities for theology and law students. Hines acquired the Universitets Passagen buildings on behalf of the Hines European Value Fund (HEVF) in 2018 and announced plans for the redevelopment in January 2019.
‘The Trinity Quarter’ was chosen as the new name for the redevelopment to reflect its location adjacent to the historic Trinitatis Kirke church on Købmagergade. The new hotel will face onto the square next to the church, which is also the location of Copenhagen’s famous Rundetaarn (Round Tower), one of the city’s top tourist attractions. The new branding and ‘Q’ logo for The Trinity Quarter scheme also draws on the buildings’ historic features, with the logo echoing the distinctive lead beaded windows which run throughout the buildings and are being sensitively restored.
Designed by celebrated interior designer Martin Brudnizki, the hotel’s interiors will be inspired by the excitement of a young person’s ‘coming of age’ journey, drawing on the buildings’ links with the university and generations of students.
The hotel will be the first 25hours hotel in Scandinavia. The 25hours Hotel Company was founded in 2005 and today operates 13 hotels in German-speaking countries and one in Paris, with further openings planned in Florence and Dubai as well as Copenhagen. The brand focuses on individuality, authenticity and character, and designs each of its hotels in a unique style.
Hines has also launched the marketing of its retail units at The Trinity Quarter and has appointed Absalon & Co to identify Danish and international brands to occupy new stores at 44, 46 and 50 Købmagergade.
The Trinity Quarter is set to complete in 2021, with the 25hours hotel to open to guests in Q1 2022.
James Robson, Managing Director and country head for Hines in The Nordics, said: “We chose to name the redevelopment ‘The Trinity Quarter’ because it reflects the heritage of the buildings and their location next to the historic Trinity Church, but also our intention to create an international destination and a vibrant new quarter on Købmagergade. We are excited about the new concepts 25hours will bring to the hotel, and how these will complement the high-quality retailers we are starting discussions with.”
Karen Nielsen, Development Director for Hines in Copenhagen, said: “At every stage of The Trinity Quarter project we have sought to protect, restore and enhance the intricate heritage of these wonderful buildings. This area has a fascinating history that will be a prominent part of the project. We are very proud to be restoring part of Copenhagen’s heritage and bringing it back into use for people to enjoy.”
