SKF manufactured ball bearings at its plant in Gamlestaden for more than 100 years, but the site has been largely abandoned for many years. In 2019, Stena Fastigheter bought the property to preserve the old buildings, but also to contribute to creating 1,000 new homes, both condominiums and rental apartments, as well as new offices and preschools.   

“It’s a fantastic unspoiled site six minutes from central Gothenburg and with its own tram stop,” says Bodil Löfmark, Property Development Manager at Stena Fastigheter Gothenburg. “Being bordered by the Säveån stream, there are plenty of attractive green spaces close to the water. There is already public transport, services and it is close to the city center, and the historical environment contributes to its fantastic look and feel,” says Bodil Löfmark, Property Development Manager at Stena Fastigheter Gothenburg.

PRESERVES A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT THAT TOOK 100 YEARS TO CREATE – HISTORICAL VALUES  PRESERVED

The oldest factory buildings at the site date from 1907 and thousands of people have worked here. SKF is an important part of Gothenburg’s industrial history. SKF will be continuing its operations but in new premises on the south side of the Säveån stream, while Stena Fastigheter will be developing the former SKF site on the north side. An exhibition of the future area has been showcased to the public, providing neighbors and authorities with the opportunity to provide input. These comments are currently under review to determine if any adjustments are needed before the City of Gothenburg makes decisions regarding the detailed plan. After that, the actual construction work can commence. Some buildings will be demolished, and the site decontaminated by SKF. Meanwhile, Stena Fastigheter’s planning and preparations are ongoing, involving all staff in Gothenburg in a new and innovative way.

“Over 100 employees were on site in 2023, taking inventory of furnishings and structural components that we can reuse,” says Bodil Löfmark. “They submitted their ideas in an app, and a project group is now working to incorporate these so that we can reuse as much as possible in the new district.”

The goal is for the first tenants to be able to move into their new homes in 2027, and for the entire area to be completed around 10 years after the start of construction. Stena Fastigheter, in collaboration with the City of Gothenburg, will also construct a large urban park along the Säveån stream, and all homes will be on the banks of the stream.

“It’s really a privilege to work on an urban development project with such a fantastic history and where we can work to maintain its unique character while creating a new neighborhood,” says Bodil Löfmark. “With its history, we can do something special, and I am happy to be part of preserving the look and feel that was 100 years in the making.”