REDEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES IN HELSINGBORG, SWEDEN: FROM THE MUNICIPAL PERSPECTIVE

The structure and purpose of urban areas varies over time. For 50-100 years ago it was often desired to have closeness between the city centre and adjacent industries and infrastructure, e.g. the harbour and railways. Today these land areas are coveted for housing and commercial interests. In the beginning of the 21st century the municipality of Helsingborg in the southern part of Sweden decided to convert the south industrial harbour area in Helsingborg into housing and offices. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the factors that can influence future relationships between various stakeholders in urban redevelopment projects, special attention will be given to efforts made in early stages of how to manage and organise the project from an overarching vision into an action plan for project implementation. Interviews with participants in the project management team for the development of the H+ area in Helsingborg and with involved municipal officials lead to mapping the expectations for the future development. Partial results shows that open communication between involved stakeholders and public officials give a good base for participation and engagement. Transparency and goal definition along the project planning characterise a well performed property development process. Thus, creating an interest by developers to invest and establishes a baseline for stakeholder management in forthcoming phases of the project