A bustling tram hub it once was. Now Toftegårds Plads welcomes you. This largest square in Copenhagen’s Valby district boasts a rich history. It all began in 1928. A simple turning loop for trams was created. This marked the square’s humble beginnings.
The intersection of Vigerslev Allé and Toftegårds Allé became a vital transport center. Trams and buses converged here. It was a bustling network of transport. The square’s name? It’s a nod to Toftegården. This is a demolished farm that once stood north of the railway.
But Toftegårds Plads isn’t just about transport. South of Vigerslev Allé stood Kuhles Kulsyre- og Lakfabrik. This was a manufacturer of carbonic acid and lacquer. A. Stallings later took over. They produced paint and lacquer. Most of Stallings’ buildings were demolished in 1979. This allowed Toftegårds Plads to grow to its current size. The square served trams until 1973. Buses continued to use it until 1989.
In 1982 the buses moved. The northern part of the square was redesigned. A beautiful water feature was added. Jens-Flemming Sørensen’s artworks enhance the square’s beauty. One sculpture even incorporates a poem by Henrik Nordbrandt.
Look around you. Notice the red brick apartment blocks. They date back to 1921-1924. Rolf Schroder designed them. Frederik Wagner was the executing architect. On the east side you’ll find former factory buildings. These now house Valby Cultural Centre. The adjacent Nordisk Kulsyrefabrik is from 1896. Its impressive condenser tower remains.
On the south side of Toftegårds Plads stands Movia’s headquarters. Movia is Greater Copenhagen’s main bus operator. It was built for HT Hovedstadens Trafikselskab in the 1980s. Even today you can still sense the pulse of a vibrant transport hub. It’s a reminder of the square’s evolution.
Just a short walk from here is Valby station. Toftegårds Plads. A place where history and modern life intertwine. It is a testament to Copenhagen’s ever changing landscape. It’s a place that tells stories of industry innovation and community growth.