Planning for future needs when developing the city means looking at the challenges we face today, and tomorrow. Helsingborg’s City Planning Department plans to transform Östra Ramlösa – a 200-hectare area around five kilometres from the city centre – into an attractive, sustainable, and smart city district. With a focus on preserving cultural and natural values, the project is looking to collaborate on innovative solutions that address all aspects of sustainable living. Transport, energy consumption, natural resources, technical infrastructure, social sustainability. A “big picture” perspective for a greener society.
The Lussebäcken brook runs through the beautiful arable land of Östra Ramlösa on its way to Ramlösa Brunnspark – home of the renowned mineral water spring – and continues onward to the Öresund strait. This brook, and the old pathways and stone boundary walls in the area, will shape the structure of the development to combine rich history and natural beauty with the infrastructure of everyday life. A new school and preschools, 3000 new homes, a sports hall and town centre will be accompanied by lush parks and greenways along the banks of the brook, a meeting place for socialising and activities in close proximity to forests and horse trails.
Pedestrian and cycle paths and public transport routes will connect the new district to the city centre, minimising emissions and making natural areas accessible for city residents. Energy-efficient construction will be key, and the potential for creating an energy-positive district will be explored with different stakeholders, with sights set on a climate neutral Helsingborg by 2035. Increased heatwaves and rainfall due to climate change will be offset by open water areas for cooling and restored wetlands for the slowing of excess groundwater. And the ambition is not only to preserve, but to improve the water quality of Lussebäcken, and promote the waterway as a habitat for trout.
The Östra Ramlösa project is a great example of how urban planning is evolving as cities play a central role in the urgent green conversion process. All aspects need to be considered, for a healthier planet and people, and Helsingborg’s municipal board has set its goal to create “Sweden’s best city district for families with children”. With construction planned for 2024, the project is looking to work with other organisations and companies to test and develop smart solutions together.
To get in touch with the project group or subscribe to their newsletter for updates (in Swedish), visit the following page. And browse H22’s other test beds to learn about other smart city collaborations.
