Copenhagen squatter colony renovations.

03 Sep, 2006

The Danish government has announced plans to clean up Christiana, the Copenhagen squatters colony in a former naval base in the centre of the Danish capital. Up to Dkk300 million is to be spent on renovating existing buildings, a sum which the government claims would be recouped by selling building rights for 400 privately-owned houses and flats on the grounds. Young people occupied the disused base, proclaiming the Free State of Christiana, in 1971, and the area has since been allowed to function as a city-within-the-city. In recent years it has become one of Copenhagens major tourist attractions. However, the liberal-conservative government in power since 2001 has cracked down on Christianas freedoms, closing down the famous hash market in Pusher Street in 2004 and stepping up policing of the area. The new construction project would cover 20 sqkm of Christianas 350 sqkm surface area.