Södermalm

New Homes and Opportunities in Södermalm, the City of Sports—A Long-Term Vision

Before the summer of 2022, Skövdebostäder was commissioned to investigate the feasibility of creating a cohesive sports and residential area in Södermalm. The goal was to add value to the Södermalm neighborhood while adapting the soccer stadium for Superettan matches, thereby increasing Skövde’s appeal as a place to live.

The year is 2032…

The year is 2032, and Skövde AIK is set to play an Allsvenskan match against Malmö FF. All day long, the town is buzzing with activity as soccer fans enjoy lunch downtown ahead of the game. Hertig Johans Square is packed with red-clad supporters getting pumped up to march on to Södermalm to cheer on their team. SAIKOS leads the way, but the procession is long, with young and old walking side by side. The fan procession heads toward the 13-story Arenahuset, located right next to Södermalms IP, which serves as a landmark for everyone making their way to the area. Upon arriving at Arenaplatsen, which connects Södermalm to the city center to the north, more fans join the gathering outside the home stands. Arenatorget is a natural gathering place for visitors to the sports facilities and a spacious living room for nearby residents. The great atmosphere is almost palpable.

Meanwhile, Anna, a conscript, is sitting in her small studio apartment that overlooks Skaraborgsgatan. She can hear the crowd of fans getting closer with their drums and chants. “It’s so nice to have all this hustle and bustle outside,” she thinks. “But it’s a relief that there aren’t big games every day.” Here in Södermalm, I really live well—within walking distance of downtown, close to the gym, and close to work, yet still a little off the beaten path.

A little further down near Källegården, Anton and Sara gather their three children in the entryway of their newly built rental townhouse to get them dressed so they can head off to Södermalms IP. Dad Anton and their oldest son, Liam, are heading to soccer practice. Mom Sara and the two younger siblings, Stina and Ossian, are going to the park outside the neighborhood to burn off some time and energy.

“Just think how lucky we are to live where we do,” Sara says to Anton. “We have so much, all so close by, and a wonderful home.”

Conceptual Outline for Long-Term Development

This document presents the concept proposal developed in collaboration between Skövdebostäder and the City of Skövde, which the political steering committee recently approved. The first phase of the concept proposal—upgrading Södermalms IP to Superettan standards—has already begun, as the City of Skövde is currently conducting a partnering procurement process.

Connecting the City Center and Södermalm

Södermalm has untapped potential to extend the city center and improve connectivity between the city center and the southern parts of the city. With more people living closer to the city center, the development of Södermalm will help bring more life and activity to the entire city.

In Södermalm, the proposal brings together a variety of sports-related functions and establishes the neighborhood’s identity around sports. It is a bold vision of a neighborhood with a clear identity rooted in sports.

Growth over at least 10–15 years

The proposal that has now been developed is based on a phased development of the area. The proposed phases may be adjusted, and aspects may emerge as work progresses that could change the conditions. One goal of the proposal is to complete one phase at a time so that different parts of the district are gradually completed and organized, ensuring that the district remains attractive during the 10–15 years that work may be carried out here.

The mandate from the City Council

The project was formally approved by the City Council and must therefore also be presented there before a decision is made on whether to proceed with the next phases following the upgrade of Södermalm. Several studies must be conducted to assess the technical and physical conditions of the site. In addition, detailed planning work, including consultations and reviews, must be carried out. A dialogue with various stakeholders must also be conducted.