Gothenburg ‘Norra Älvstranden
Setting before Revitalisation
- Derelict old industrial site situated along Göta Älv River, 5 km long
- Across from historical centre of Gothenburg in central area of town
- 250 ha of land, 40 ha water
- Gothenburg & 300 km radius around it: 50% of Scandinavia‘s industrial capacity
Source: Gothenburg City Planning Authority, 2001
Source: Gothenburg City
Planning Authority, 2003
History of Norra Älvstranden
- Former shipyard area (1850s-1970s); crucial to town
- Shipbuilding, ship repair, associated businesses, some harbour facilities and some housing
- Gothenburg was and is largest port in Scandinavia; very important source of income for town
- Shipyard
crisis in 1970s - all shipyards went bankrupt, 20,000 workers
unemployed, major losses to town
- Transformation of site had to be initiated
Major Challenges before Revitalisation
- Large areas of site contaminated
- Create jobs for thousands of unemployed
- No public funding available for revitalisation
- Integrate existing uses (harbour facilities, some housing, some commercial use)
- Economic focus on shipyard sector
- Strong competition with other sites in region
First Steps
- Initial plans in mid 70s: focus on off-shore industries and energy sector; industrial focus --> unsuccessful approach
- Plans changed: diversify economy and create new sectors in Gothenburg
- Vision: create mixed use development
- Volvo exhibited interest in moving to site
In 96 - ownership of former shipyard area transferred from state to City of Gothenburg for 1 SEK --> new beginnings
Management Approach
- Developer
firm
formed in 1996 - wholly owned, municipal, limited liability company
- Major challenge - private developer with public mandate, all development financed through private market, no public subsidies
- Guiding Vision
(City & Developer)
- friendly city, high quality of life
- create variety & diversity for city and region (mixed uses, different sectors, integrated approach)
- Excellent collaboration between city, developer, and stakeholders on private market
- Engage in long-term development (20-30 years)
- Adapt plans throughout process as required by changing framework conditions
Situation at present: Highlights of the Site
- Mix of industry, services, shopping, housing, recreation
- Site remediated and well integrated with rest of city
- Major companies like Ericsson and Volvo (=‘crystallization core’) attracted to site along with many small firms (about 300 in 2003) – new jobs
- Collaboration
between educational facilities and companies on site crucial - clustering
opportunities
- Lindholmen Science Park: focus on mobile internet, telematics, modern media industries
- Innovative and sustainable transport & mobility management in concert with city
