FEATURE STORIES

New Pieces of the Skellefteå Puzzle

Skellefteå is changing bit by bit. New bridges, buildings, and gathering places are springing up, while old neighborhoods are being revitalized. Here are some of the projects that are shaping the city right now.

The Bridge That’s Changing How We Get Around the City

The Karlgårdsbron Bridge is taking shape over the Skellefte River and will serve as a new link between neighborhoods on both sides of the river. The approximately 400-meter-long bridge is being built with a wooden roadway—a solution that demonstrates how modern timber construction can be used on a large scale. When the bridge opens—scheduled for the summer of 2027—it will transform both traffic flows and everyday routes. A long-awaited river crossing is becoming a reality.

Three New Sports Halls Will Accommodate More People

More children and young people mean more practice times. That’s why several new sports halls are being built and planned in Skellefteå. A new full-size soccer hall is planned for Norrvalla, which will make it possible to train year-round, regardless of the weather. At the same time, the area is being expanded with a new sports hall that can be used by both schools and clubs. Nyckelpigan’s gymnastics and sports hall has already been inaugurated and offers new opportunities for gymnastics and indoor sports. In addition, a new sports hall is planned for Norrböle. Together, these initiatives are intended to meet the demand from Skellefteå’s growing community of sports clubs.

Falkträsket Continues to Grow

The area around Falkträsket has become one of the city’s most sought-after residential areas. Now, more housing is being planned south of Dansgatan, with nature and outdoor recreation right around the corner. Here you’ll find swimming spots, ski trails, and walking paths, all while being close to downtown. This expansion shows how Skellefteå continues to grow outward—without losing its connection to nature.

It certainly goes like a dance in Sunnanå

As new neighborhoods emerge, new names are needed—and in Sunnanå, the inspiration comes from the world of dance. Neighborhoods with names like Sarabanden, Kadriljen, and Polketten are being planned here, while new addresses might end up on Sarabandgatan or Polkettgatan. The theme follows the area’s tradition and gives the new neighborhoods their own distinct character.

A Sami-inspired playground

In Alhem, the Lumola Leikkis playground is taking shape—a new gathering place for children and families. The play environment draws inspiration from Sami culture and nature and is intended to be more than just a traditional playground. Here, a space is being created where play and storytelling come together in an area where many families with children live.

A new neighborhood is taking shape

A brand-new neighborhood is taking shape in Backen. Around 600 homes are planned here in a nature-rich area on the slope of Rösberget, including both apartment buildings and townhouses. The homes are being built in small clusters with nature and green spaces in between, providing room for play, socializing, and everyday life.

At the same time, the entire infrastructure is being built from the ground up—streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and utility lines. What was recently forest land and a construction site is, step by step, becoming a new part of Sunnanå.

The E4 is moving east

The new route of the E4 will divert traffic away from the city center and improve traffic flow throughout the municipality. As through traffic is moved eastward, congestion within the city will decrease while transportation becomes more efficient. The road is being planned in conjunction with the Norrbotnia Railway and will be a key part of Skellefteå’s future infrastructure.

The Energy House to Accelerate Electrification

On Campus, the ACE Powerhouse is taking shape—a seven-story wooden building that will serve as the base for the Arctic Center of Energy. Here, research, education, and business will collaborate to develop solutions that drive electrification forward. Test and demonstration environments are being built within the building where new ideas can be tested in real-world conditions.

The building is certified under the NollCO₂ standard and was named Environmental Building of the Year 2025, which is fully in line with Skellefteå’s continued leadership in sustainable construction and reuse. When the building is completed in 2027, it will become a new focal point on Campus, where people will come together to develop the energy systems of the future.

A Chance to Buy a Piece of Skellefteå’s History

The old station building in Skellefteå is for sale—a rare opportunity to acquire a historic building right in the heart of the city. The building is a reminder of a time when the railroad was an integral part of everyday life and can be given new life in a city where the train is making a comeback. For those who want to combine history and the future, now is your chance to take over one of Skellefteå’s most distinctive buildings.

The train is approaching Skellefteå

The Norrbotnia Line will connect the coastal cities with a modern railway for both passengers and freight. In 2026, planning and preparations for the section through Skellefteå will continue, while work on the travel center and connections will also move forward. Once the railway is in place, it will transform commuting and transportation throughout the region. The project is moving forward step by step, and its impact will become increasingly noticeable!