The construction harbour for the Femern project as it looks at the beginning of March 2021. Photo: FBC
Two companies are in the process of moving to the newly established Maribo Business Park. On Lolland, the housing market is buzzing, hotels and other types of accommodation are ready to expand, companies are opening branches in Rødbyhavn, close to the upcoming construction site for the Femern tunnel, and there are new jobs available on a daily basis.
In the waters off Rødbyhavn, the progress of the Femern Belt project is visible proof that something big is underway.
The mega-project Femern Belt Fixed Link will, during the years until it is commissioned in 2029, leave a clear mark on Lolland, not only as an impressive construction, but also as a project that created growth and development in a significant geographical location.
"We are already experiencing increased activity in the business community and in the housing area, which indicates that the Femern project will be a huge growth driver for our local area and for the entire Femern Belt region," says Mayor Holger Schou Rasmussen, Lolland Municipality.
Many new jobs
As the pace of the Femern project picks up, the number of available jobs in Rødbyhavn is increasing.
The construction consortia Femern Link Contractors (FLC) and Fehmarn Belt Contractors (FBC) already have several hundred employees in place. Both consortia have entered into subcontracting agreements with local companies that are ready to hire even more employees.
Most recently, the local company Aktiv-El A/S, Nakskov, won a million order for the Femern project.
Center manager at Jobcenter Lolland, Per Bech Grønning, is pleased that a large number of the positions already created in the Femern project are filled by Danes.
“We can state that the job center can find employment with the subcontractors who are associated with the project, and that some unemployed people will also be offered training in connection with the project. We are in constant contact with employers who have tasks on the project, and it is providing job openings for local workers. The labour market is booming in many sectors. However, we still have a higher unemployment rate compared to the same time last year, but this is due to COVID-19, ”says Per Bech Grønning.
Getting established at Maribo Business Park
Filter manufacturers S.E.W. North Filtration A/S, together with about 40 employees, is establishing itself this year with an 8,000 square meter factory at Maribo Business Park. The energy company, OK a.m.b.a., has also recently found its way to the newly established business area.
"We are experiencing increasing interest in Maribo Business Park, which is attractively located, close to the motorway and the Femern Belt fixed link, from both Danish and foreign companies," says Mayor Holger Schou Rasmussen.
In its first phase, Maribo Business Park covers 21.7 hectares, but Lolland Municipality is already looking at the possibilities for expansion with another 60 hectares.
The housing market is teeming
Several hotels and other types of accommodation on Lolland have announced their expansion and modernisation. This applies, for example, to Hotel Søpark, Milling Hotels in Maribo and Stop´n Sleep Hotel in Rødbyhavn.
Local estate agents report a significant increase in business due to high demand for housing. Demands which are difficult to match, and which has resulted in a task force between both private and municipal parties to establish new building sites for private houses. Local housing associations are also planning new construction.
International school on Lolland
The increased international interest in Lolland has led to the establishment of an international public school in Maribo.
Lolland International School will open later this year.
“With an international primary school, where teaching is in English, we want to accommodate both foreign children, who have moved here with their parents because of the Femern project, as well as Danish children wishing to lay the foundation for a future international education. The school will be one of the cornerstones of the international environment that is growing on Lolland due to the Femern connection, ”says Mayor Holger Schou Rasmussen.