Historic groundbreaking in Umeå’s new urban district
From left in the photo: Hans Lindberg – Chair of the Municipal Executive Board, Petter Lindqvist – Project Director, Skanska, Daniel Ödling – Head of Department, NCC, Robert Hansson – CEO, Vakin, Jan Ridfeldt – CEO, Umeå Energi, Elin Pietroni – City Director, and Malin Lagervall – Project Manager, Municipality of Umeå. Photo: Anna-Lena Fomin.
– It is truly exciting to stand here and take the first groundbreaking for Tomtebo Strand. It has been a long time since we have had the opportunity to begin work on such a large area in Umeå. Today is a historic day, as we are not only starting the construction of a new urban district – Tomtebo Strand is an important step in Umeå’s continued development, says Hans Lindberg (S), Chair of the Municipal Executive Board.
In his speech, Hans Lindberg reflected on when the development partners first approached the municipality in 2016, how the project gradually took shape, and how it has now reached the point where construction work can begin. What makes the project unique is that it has been developed from the outset through close collaboration between seven construction partners and two municipal companies.
The Tomtebo Strand project began with a blank sheet of paper and a key question: how do we create the best solutions for a sustainable urban district? As a result, Tomtebo Strand will be characterised by sustainable construction methods and solutions, as well as a new type of sustainable energy system for the area.
Some of the goals for the district are to make sustainable living easy. Walking, cycling and public transport should be natural choices for everyday travel. The area makes use of its proximity to nature and Lake Nydala, and includes meeting places where neighbours can get to know one another. Conditions are also being created for sharing and reuse – of premises, resources and energy.
The district is being planned with circular solutions in mind, where resources can be shared, reused and developed over time. This includes everything from reuse and flexible buildings that can be adapted to new needs, to energy systems that allow energy to be stored, shared and distributed within the district.
Tomtebo Strand will also be home to the Municipality of Umeå’s first fully fossil-free civil engineering contract, where all machinery is powered by electricity or HVO.
– Umeå is growing. We are welcoming more residents, more businesses, and we need to build housing and services that will stand the test of time. It is crucial that we do this in the right way. Umeå is a city that grows sustainably – where it is easy to live and feel at home, and where people feel involved and proud to be part of the community, says Hans Lindberg.
About Tomtebo Strand
Tomtebo Strand is an innovative new urban district in a growing Umeå. Located close to both the city centre and surrounding natural areas, Tomtebo Strand aims to meet future demands for sustainable urban development and to be a place where people of all ages can thrive. The district will feature a mix of housing and functions, with approximately 3,000 homes and a wide range of services and activities.
Tomtebo Strand is being developed in collaboration between the Municipality of Umeå, HSB, NCC, PEAB, Riksbyggen, Rikshem, Skanska, Slättö, Umeå Energi and Vakin.