Repurposing Southern Sweden’s former shipyard into people-friendly public spaces

Fostering public life among shipyard heritage

Varvsstaden is a key part of Malmö’s acclaimed Western Harbour sustainable development. Once home to Kockums Shipyard, the area is now evolving into an innovation district that prioritizes retaining, retrofitting, and reusing its industrial heritage. While the former industrial buildings are repurposed for innovation, media, and tech industries, other sections will continue to operate with some industrial use.

Gehl was part of the process of developing the City Life Compass and the Public Space Plan that aimed to strengthen connections with the surrounding neighborhoods and create new public spaces that bring character and life to the district. The team facilitated workshops and made recommendations for the development of the public realm of the area. The final plan aimed to blend the old and the new by preserving the historic quality of the former shipyard while inviting new residents, businesses, and visitors to enjoy this new piece of city fabric.

With the development well underway, 180,000 m² of industrial land has been recycled and remediated, three new bridges will link the city to the Western Harbour, and a one-kilometer quay promenade will offer a vibrant recreational space for future visitors.