Our history
A community rooted in the neighbourhood
The association’s history is closely linked to urban renewal in Fredensgade Vest in the late 1980s. A local community grew from this process and has shaped both the area and the Community House over the years.
Created by residents
Residents came together around a shared wish: to have a say in the shared facilities, the Community House, and the development of their neighbourhood. In February 1988, Randers Municipality asked tenants in each property to elect a resident representative. Together, the representatives were to form a representative council and elect a board to speak for residents. On March 3, 1988, the elected representatives were invited to a joint meeting, which other tenants and property owners in the area were also welcome to attend.
From an unfinished building to a community house
When residents were to take over the Community House and prepare it for use in 1988, much work still lay ahead for them and the property owners’ association, Ejerlauget. The house had new windows and a new roof, but the interior still needed work on walls, floors, ceilings, and insulation. Dampness and water in the basement were also a concern.
A building committee including representatives of the residents’ association was formed, and interior renovations continued in 1989. The drawings show how the house was arranged with a meeting hall, kitchen, storage room, and hobby room, among other spaces.
The Community House as a meeting place
The work was about more than the building. From the outset, the association was intended to give residents a say in its operation and maintenance. In the years that followed, the house hosted bingo, Danish Carnival celebrations, and hobby, cultural, and sports activities. It was also rented out for residents’ own events.
The Community House became a place where neighbourhood connections could grow and residents could meet across courtyards, streets, and generations.
Bladlusen and stories from the neighbourhood
In 1991, the residents’ newsletter Bladlusen was part of neighbourhood life. Residents could read about activities, local issues, and the association’s work.
Together, the old newsletters, letters, drawings, bylaws, and photographs tell the story of a neighbourhood where residents have taken initiative and created things together for many years.
Building on our community
The community residents created in the late 1980s remains the foundation of the association’s work. In 2026, new people are continuing that work, focusing on visibility, involvement, and the Community House as the neighbourhood’s shared meeting place.
The association builds on the work that residents and volunteers have contributed over many years. The historical archive has been collected and reviewed, helping preserve the story of the neighbourhood and the Community House for future generations.
Bringing the past into the future
The association wants to preserve its history while providing facilities and opportunities that suit the neighbourhood today. Experiences and stories from residents who have known the area for many years are an important part of this work.
The association also has a new website. It brings together information about the association, the Community House, activities, and opportunities to get involved. The website should make it easier to keep up to date and contact the board.
What we work toward
- making it easier for residents and the association to get in touch
- strengthening discussions about the neighbourhood’s shared interests
- developing the Community House as a lively, welcoming meeting place
- creating more opportunities for activities and local initiatives
- preserving and sharing the association’s historical materials
There are many ways to get involved
You do not need to sit on the board to take part. Residents can share ideas, start activities, help with specific tasks, or contribute to the community in other ways. If you have an idea that could bring life to the Community House or neighbourhood, we would love to hear it.
Whether you have lived in Fredensgade Vest for many years or have just moved to the block, you are welcome to join our community.
The story of Beboerforeningen Fredensgade Vest began with urban renewal and residents organising in the late 1980s. In 2026, that story continues with new people and respect for the foundation built by earlier generations of residents.