Karlstad (SE)

It is certainly possible to propose changes to the current property structure to support a cohesive vision. This may even be necessary to achieve the objective of transforming the area from an industrial, storage, and commercial zone into a lively, human-centered and human-scaled district, and to identify attractive ways to complement existing businesses.

The extent to which property structures need to change is a question to balance with others in order to present a realistic and sustainable process for transforming Våxnäs. While property conditions naturally influence what can be implemented - due to economic factors and other practicalities - it is crucial to present a strong, well-grounded vision for the future: one that goes beyond ownership to support an integrated and long-term transformation that is positive for the city, the area and the stakeholders.

The current ownership of each plot should not limit the proposed vision of future development. 

The task is to create a long-term vision for the transformation. The goal is not only to address specific challenges such as flooding and social issues, but to holistically study the area. We are committed to shaping an attractive future vision that the municipality and property owners can drive forward together. The result will be a transformed character and identity of the area.

The proposals need to balance how existing businesses and facilities are complemented in order to create a neighborhood that is appreciated, attractive, vibrant, and safe.

No, not all existing uses need to - and perhaps cannot - be retained and integrated. Some functions, such as storage facilities and parking lots, represent a very low-intensity use of land, while others contribute to urban life, provide workplaces, and can serve as destinations for people from other parts of the city. These uses play a positive role in the long-term transformation to create a mixed-use urban district.

Businesses in the area may also be proposed to relocate within the area or be completely removed.

Yes, basements can be included in proposals. Our flood guidelines allow basements, as long as they’re not used for living spaces or other areas meant to be regularly occupied. New buildings should be designed to avoid flooding during high water events. However, basement areas can be used for things like garages, storage rooms, or similar spaces where occasional flooding isn’t a major issue.

SE-Karlstad-SS-M5 is based on an inventory of valuable trees conducted by the County Administrative Board in 2008. The inventory is therefore somewhat outdated, and it is likely that some of the trees no longer correspond to the current situation. However, it provides an overview of valuable tree structures in and around the area. The inventory is not comprehensive, and not all trees have been surveyed or marked in the DWG file.

The material from the County Administrative Board (the trees shown in SE-Karlstad-SS-M5) includes an inventory of avenue trees, hollow trees, and old/large-diameter trees. If any of the inventoried trees need to be felled, a consultation must be held or a permit must be obtained from the County Administrative Board. 

Karlstad Municipality does not have a complete understanding of how the inventory was conducted in 2008, but the file mainly includes trees located in urban areas or cultivated landscapes. Forest areas have largely been excluded from this inventory. However, there are many valuable trees in the I2 forest. Directly next to the Våxnäs industrial area, there is forest with high and very high natural values. See the map titled "SE-Karlstad-C-M8" In these areas closest to Våxnäs, there are many older, large trees—mainly old, large Scots pines, but also broadleaf species.

New shapefiles and JSON files for SE-Karlstad-SS-M5, which include metadata with information about each inventoried tree, can be found under "0-New_Docs_after_Launch".

Much of the land in Våxnäs is privately owned, which means that future development will depend largely on private interest in renewing the area. Therefore, a key aspect of the task is to propose how private land can be transformed in the long term to achieve the task of creating a long-term vision for transforming the Våxnäs industrial area into a vibrant, mixed-use district. This may involve demolishing or renovating existing buildings or changing other sectors. 

The Q&A section can be found on the Karlstad site page under the section titled “Questions on the site.”

If you have experienced any issues accessing it, we have also sent the questions and answers directly to all the team representatives for your convenience.