“Svanemølleholm” – Sustainable Urban Development in the Heart of Copenhagen’s Nordhavn District
Svanemølleholm is located in the southern part of Copenhagen's North Harbor, one of the largest and most ambitious urban development projects in Northern Europe. Since 2005, the former industrial area has been transformed into a modern, mixed-use urban district that focuses on sustainability, mobility, and urban quality of life. It is also being expanded with artificial islands, bringing the total development area to around 3.6 million square meters. With publicly accessible water areas, restaurants, leisure facilities, and green recreational areas, the North Harbor is a prime example of Copenhagen's sustainable and livable urban development.
By 2050, the area is expected to provide space for around 40,000 residents and just as many jobs.
Its direct waterfront location, excellent connections via the M4 metro line, and high architectural and ecological standards make the area particularly attractive. Renowned companies such as the Danish Central Bank and the German Embassy have already settled there. Other players such as BlackRock, IBM, SAP, PFA Pension, Cisco Systems, Accura, and Kromann Reumert complement the environment. The future location of the law firm Bruun & Hjejle is also under construction. Svanemølleholm is thus developing into Copenhagen's new central business district (CBD). The concentration of global companies and institutions, the high-quality architectural development, the excellent and green transport links, and the sustainable, urban overall concept are transforming the area into Copenhagen’s sustainable business district.
Development and Objectives of “Svanemølleholm”
In the second quarter of 2021, the KanAm Grund Group, together with its Danish joint venture partner AP Pension, began work on the “Svanemølleholm” project, covering an area of approximately 21,000 square meters. The KanAm Grund Group's development team, together with Drees & Sommer, took on the overall management, monitoring, quality control, and stakeholder management. The joint venture partner carried out the construction and planning work. MT Højgaard Holding A/S acted as the general contractor. The new building, consisting of three sections with a total area of around 75,500 square meters, was completed in 2024.
The open design of the area, with spacious lounge areas and publicly accessible areas, underscores the integrative character of the neighborhood. The ensemble comprises modern multi-tenant office space, a pavilion with common rooms, a publicly accessible fitness center, dining facilities such as the “People's Kitchen,” a waterfront café, and a green roof terrace with a view of the North Harbor.
During development, particular emphasis was placed on architectural quality, energy efficiency, and ESG compliance. The buildings are certified according to DGNB Gold and DGNB Diamond standards and fully comply with Section 7.7 of the EU Taxonomy. The staff canteen carries the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which confirms the highest ecological standards for food, energy consumption, and waste management. With its high-quality architecture, sustainable materials, and highest certifications, the property sets new standards for ESG-oriented office and neighborhood development in Denmark.
Upon completion, Svanemølleholm will serve as the joint headquarters of Nykredit and AP Pension, the parent company of AP Ejendomme, one of Denmark's largest commercial pension funds. Both companies have signed 15-year leases, ensuring a stable long-term income base.
With the acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Svanemølleholm – Denmark's largest single asset deal in 2025 – the KanAm Grund Group has expanded its portfolio with another first-class core property in the European premium segment. The transaction was carried out as part of a joint venture with AP Ejendomme. The investment was made for a special real estate fund on behalf of a North German pension fund manager and makes an important contribution to the international diversification and ESG orientation of the fund portfolio.
Holistic and Target Oriented Project Development
KanAm Grund Group pursues a consistent, sustainable approach to project development, considering the entire life cycle of each property. With a development track record representing a project volume of around 8 billion euros, the company places the highest emphasis on quality, cost efficiency, and on schedule delivery - key prerequisites for economic success on behalf of its investors.
All operational and strategic development processes are centrally managed from Frankfurt am Main, covering the full range - from acquisition and planning through technical and legal coordination to the potential sale of completed assets. Sustainability and social progress are integral components of this comprehensive development approach.
“Svanemølleholm” as an Example of KanAm Grund Group’s Holistic Development Expertise
“Svanemølleholm” exemplifies KanAm Grund Group’s fully integrated development competence and international focus. The project combines modern working environments with sustainable substance and long term value creation potential.
The company views real estate as future oriented living and working spaces that harmonize ecological, social, and economic aspects — in line with its philosophy of creating value with foresight.
Our contributions to the realization of “Svanemølleholm” can be divided into four phases:
1. Acquisition and Investment Services
Within this project, KanAm Grund Group assumed overall responsibility for identifying and implementing the acquisition process of this joint venture investment. This included thorough due diligence procedures, negotiations with all parties involved, as well as structuring and financing the transaction. Leveraging deep market knowledge and investment expertise, KanAm Grund Group ensured that all acquisition steps were executed efficiently, prudently, and with a focus on value.
2. Fund Management Services
Strategic fund oversight was ensured throughout all phases of the investment. Responsibilities included continuous evaluation and performance analysis of the fund, organization and monitoring of financing, and compliance with all regulatory requirements. The services also encompassed treasury management and optimization of capital and liquidity structures. This integrated management approach created transparency, stability, and sustainable value growth for investors.
3. Project Monitoring and Development Management
Together with the project manager Drees & Sommer, the KanAm Grund Group development team took on overall management and quality control throughout the entire development phase. The construction and planning work carried out by the joint venture partner was continuously monitored and coordinated in terms of schedule, cost, and quality specifications. Close coordination and transparent communication ensured that all project requirements were efficiently implemented and that high quality standards were maintained at every stage.
4. Exit Strategy
KanAm Grund Group will accompany the asset management of “Svanemølleholm” through to the intended exit, ensuring continuous value optimization. Even before completion, various exit and holding scenarios were analyzed to determine the economically optimal time for a potential disposal or further holding. This forward looking approach enables the company to seize market opportunities and maximize potential value appreciation — in line with a long term, return oriented investment strategy.
Reasons for the Development
+ Strategic Location in Nordhavn
“Svanemølleholm” is situated in Copenhagen’s most dynamic urban district, featuring excellent infrastructure and direct waterfront access. Nordhavn is part of Scandinavia’s largest urban development project, expected to accommodate 40,000 residents and 40,000 jobs by 2050.
+ Strong Joint Venture Partnership
The collaboration with AP Pension as part of a joint venture strengthens the credibility of the project and ensures alignment of long-term investment goals.
+ Attractive Investment Basis
As a long term leased property in a prime location, “Svanemølleholm” provides a stable, low risk investment with secure cash flows.
+ Excellent Connectivity and Location Quality
A metro station within a five minute walk and the integration into a modern urban district ensure optimal accessibility and sustainable tenant retention.
+ Growing Demand for Office Space
Limited availability of modern office buildings meets strong demand — particularly in Copenhagen, where major tenants such as Nykredit and AP Pension sought suitable central city space.
Further Development Initiatives under Review
In addition to managing and expanding existing projects, KanAm Grund Group continuously evaluates potential new development opportunities. The company is particularly interested in sites and projects with an equity volume of approximately 10 to 50 million euros. Beside hotels and serviced apartments, the focus lies on the logistics & light industrial, office, and residential segments in Germany’s top 7 cities and other economically strong metropolitan regions across Europe. Central locations with good infrastructure and existing or short term achievable building rights are particularly prioritized. Furthermore, refurbishment and repositioning projects are regularly assessed.
You can reach us at: development@at@myownproviderkanam-grund-group..de.de