SE26 Signature project
Skellefteå Climate Action Park, Wasteland
In the scenic Scharins area in Ursviken, a unique signature project is emerging - Skellefteå Climate Action Park. Here, a former industrial and polluted site is being transformed into an art and knowledge park with the climate in focus - and with a special focus on current societal challenges such as soil purification, mobility, social inclusion and sustainable urban development. The initiative is a central part of Society Expo 2026 and aims to inspire long-term and inclusive societal transformation.
Reflection and confidence
The park combines artistic design with climate innovations and educational elements to create a contemporary space for dialog and faith in the future. The internationally recognized artist duo Bigert & Bergström is responsible for the artistic whole, where the work Wasteland becomes the core of the park. The installation raises the issue of contaminated land and the possibility of ecological rebirth - a symbol of society's ability to heal and transform.
The park also has the potential to become a visitor destination with regional and international appeal, where art acts as a catalyst for climate dialogue and community engagement.
The project is based on the idea that art, climate technology and urban planning together can accelerate sustainable development. Through artistic design, climate solutions and sustainable techniques - such as mycelium-based soil remediation - new methods for ecological transition are tested with relevance far beyond Skellefteå. Through activities such as tours and training, the public's image of the site is also affected, which in turn creates new opportunities for sustainable urban transformation.
Sketch picture of Climate Action Park
Crystal Sauna by Bigert & Bergström, Skellefteå Climate Action Park
Long-term transformation
This is not just an art project - it is the starting point for a long-term transformation of the entire Scharins area into a sustainable neighborhood with up to 2,300 new homes. The first phase of the project will be implemented before 2026 with support from Skellefteå Municipality, Vinnova, Formas and other stakeholders. Investments in infrastructure, safety (lighting and sanitation) and the attractiveness of the site have already begun.
During SE26, up to 75,000 visitors are planned to the park, attracted by innovative works and experimental installations. Although exact visitor numbers cannot be guaranteed - as access is free - impacts will be monitored through digital interest, sauna bookings, and observations and site measurements during events. The foundation for the park's operations will be laid in 2026, with the ambition of further expansion in 2027-2028.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of all phases of the project - from material selection, soil treatment and energy supply to pedagogy and long-term operation. Through collaborations with universities, researchers, civil society and industry, solutions are developed that both inspire and educate. The results of the project can also be used in school education and other community arenas.
Sketch picture of Climate Action Park
Towards a sustainable future – together
Skellefteå Climate Action Park is more than an art and urban development project - it is a vision of a sustainable place for several generations. By integrating climate-smart solutions, pedagogy and innovative technology in both design and operation, a park is created that lives over time and inspires both local and global transition. A new social space is emerging here, accessible to all and anchored in concrete measures for climate, inclusion and knowledge dissemination.
To succeed, broad collaboration is required. The project is being driven forward in close dialog between the municipality's administrations, the business community, academia and civil society. This holistic approach both strengthens the social anchoring of the site and enables flexible, relevant development over time - where both businesses and citizens are given room to contribute and participate.
Through its strategic location adjacent to Kurjoviken, with potential for boat connections and links to other initiatives in Skellefteå, Climate Action Park contributes to realizing the vision "A sustainable place for a better everyday life" according to Skellefteå 2030. Here, history, art, technology and community building are combined into a powerful expression of faith in the future - where even the most challenging places can flourish again.
Questions and answers about Climate Action Park
Scharins is located in an interesting and very beautiful place in Ursviken outside Skellefteå. Even if Northvolt's bankruptcy means a break in the strained situation for housing construction that has prevailed for the past 10 years, community development will not stop. The fact that it now takes longer is rather good for planning. Ursviken is a vibrant village and Scharin has great potential for the future.
Scharinsparken, also called Wasteland Skellefteå Climate Action Park, is an initiative to transform the historic Scharins area in Ursviken into an art and knowledge park with a focus on sustainability and climate change. The park will be a central part of Skellefteå Society Expo 2026 (SE26) and is a collaboration between Skellefteå municipality, Bigert & Bergström and Futurniture. Since SE26 is not a regular housing fair with housing and modern architecture to showcase, interesting objects to look at and experience are needed. The Scharins area is perfectly placed and a good starting point for the social transition.
The project is a starting point for the long-term revitalization of the Scharins area, a former industrial site, into a sustainable and innovative part of Skellefteå. The aim of the park is to highlight climate solutions, promote social integration and create an attractive environment for both residents and visitors. The goal is also to highlight the issue of how we as a society deal with the very difficult issue of contaminated land, a challenge that is not only found in Skellefteå, but which affects many cities that have a business of an industrial nature, where there have been other activities that have affected the soil or where there is natural pollution in the soil. Often the land is both loved by the inhabitants and beautifully located by water, where we in a modern society want to make these areas available to our residents and protect the people who live, visit and work in the areas from these contaminants. More knowledge is needed on how we can manage and act to find solutions. Art has always (among other things) had the task of raising difficult issues, which is why art is also important for creating dialog and debate about the issues that will actually be discussed in the Climate Action Park. "Action" stands for the will to not only look at art, but to show solutions for the society of the future. The fact that we can also create a beautiful environment on a site that has become overgrown with brush adds value for the local community.
The vision is to transform Scharins from a site of contaminated land into a sustainable neighborhood with up to 2 300 new homes. The park is the first step in this broader transformation. Read more on Architectural competition to create more life and movement in the Scharins area - Skellefteå municipality Länk till annan webbplats.
The Scharins area has a rich industrial history, where the Scharins Söner woodworking company operated for almost 100 years. The area underwent extensive remediation work from 2001 to 2018 to make it safe for the public.
"Wasteland" is a unique art installation by the internationally renowned artist duo Bigert & Bergström. It combines art, architecture and climate technology to visualize climate challenges and solutions and will be a central part of Scharinsparken. Learn more here
The planning of the park has been based on a positive estimate of 75,000 possible visitors in 2026, attracted by its innovative exhibitions and its role in SE26. However, it is impossible to promise any visitor numbers as the project may need to be split and implemented in several phases depending on funding.
Visitors can get to the park by foot, bike, car, bus or boat along the Skellefte River.
Scharinsparken highlights sustainable solutions through its exhibitions and design. It partners with local businesses, research institutes and community organizations to drive innovation and sustainable practices.
Projektet handlar om samhällsutveckling av Skellefteå med fokus på hållbar teknik, markhantering, utbildning och sociala relationer. Två externa forskningsprojekt är knutna till huvudprojektet och adresserar mobilitet (med fokus på gångtrafikanter) och social hållbarhet.
Målet är att skapa en inkluderande plats för rekreation, lärande och samhällsengagemang där konsten kan fungera som en katalysator för klimatdialog. Genom partnerskap med universitet, forskare, näringsliv och civilsamhälle utforskar projektet nya lösningar.
Påverkan är framförallt lokal, vilket också är det viktigaste målet. Men regionalt finns en chans att etablera ett attraktivt besöksmål som drar internationellt intresse till regionen. Nationellt finns en möjlighet att sätta Skellefteå på kartan för internationell turism.
Key partners include local companies with sustainability profiles, the research institute RISE and Luleå University of Technology. The project is also working with community organizations to develop and maintain the park. As an example, discussions are underway to showcase state-of-the-art biotechnology to remediate soil using fungal mycelium that transforms toxic pollutants into compostable biomaterial.
Learb more about Wasteland here: Wasteland. Climate Action Park | Bigert & Bergström External link.
Read more: SE26 projects
Sidinformation
- Senast uppdaterad:
- 13 October 2025