SE26 project
Skellefteå city center
Skellefteå's city center is in the middle of the step from a car-dependent city center to an attractive, sustainable and vibrant meeting place for people. The change will help Skellefteå grow in a way that strengthens both quality of life and the city's attractiveness – all year round.
The change is about more than buildings and infrastructure. It is about creating a sustainable urban life, where it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, where green routes and meeting places connect the city and where culture, commerce and housing grow in balance with nature and climate.
Through initiatives such as the Karlgårdsbron bridge, new pedestrian and cycle paths, a modern travel center and adaptation to the Norrbotniabanan, Skellefteå is being built for the future. At the same time, public spaces, parks and paths are being developed to strengthen the identity and well-being of the center.
The goal is clear: The city center should inspire, invite and provide space for people to meet.
Residents, visitors and businesses should feel at home in a city that is alive, all year round.
The in-depth general plan for Centrala stan (FÖP) is based on Skellefteå 2030 and the municipality's vision: A forward-looking and equal growth municipality, attractive to live and work in.
The plan was adopted to create a more attractive urban environment, where people and experiences are at the center. For more than ten years, the municipality has worked together with Skellefteå residents to shape the city of the future – and the work continues.
Questions and answers about the project
The city center is addressing climate, health and attractiveness challenges in a rapidly growing city:
- A city center previously dominated by car traffic, with negative effects on air quality, safety and urban life.
- The need for more housing, meeting places and services as Skellefteå grows.
- A fragmented urban environment where streets and paths have not been sufficiently adapted for people, bicycles and public transport.
Through Centrala stan, we are driving one of northern Sweden's largest urban transformations. Here, housing, infrastructure, commerce, culture and green environments are brought together in one whole. The result is a city where it is easy - and obvious - to choose sustainable travel and a daily life close to services, culture and meeting places.
- Local: An attractive city center strengthens the quality of life for residents and makes it easier to live, work and live sustainably in Skellefteå.
- Regionally: New communications (Resecentrum and Norrbotniabanan) strengthen the city's role as a hub in northern Sweden.
- Internationally: By showing how a previously car-dependent city can become a city for people, Skellefteå becomes an example of sustainable urban development that attracts interest far beyond Sweden.
Short term: You can already see the difference today - more people are cycling and walking, the city center is more accessible and the sense of well-being is increasing. New pedestrian and cycle paths, Sara Cultural Center, more housing, new parking garages and redesigned squares are examples of what has already been done.
Long term: A vibrant city center full of people, with more housing, strong commerce, cultural experiences and green meeting places. A safe and attractive city center that strengthens Skellefteå's identity and attracts both residents and businesses.
- The comprehensive plan for the city center serves as a long-term map and direction.
- Development takes place in stages and is adapted to the needs of residents and new conditions.
- Sustainability is integrated into every part - from traffic solutions and energy to design, green spaces and social meeting places.
- Dialogue with residents, businesses and other stakeholders ensures anchoring and a long-term approach.
- With the retail sector to develop the city center as an attractive shopping and meeting place.
- With cultural life and associations to create vibrant urban environments.
- With infrastructure operators (e.g. the Swedish Transport Administration, Norrbotniabanan) for sustainable traffic solutions.
- With residents and civil society for participation and trust.
This work supports several of the strategy areas, but especially A Place to Thrive.
Primary: residents, local businesses, politicians and municipal staff.
Secondary: other municipalities and visitors to SE26.
They will be reached through, among others:
- City walks (analog and digital).
- SE26 - Exhibition.
- Talks.
The city center is the heart of the vision. We are transforming it from a city of cars to a city of people - for an everyday life where children can play safely, residents can move around smoothly and sustainably, businesses can grow and people want to stay.
Read more: SE26 project
Sidinformation
- Senast uppdaterad:
- 9 December 2025