Urban development in Gothenburg
With a focus on sustainable development, Gothenburg is expanding and the city is densifying. An estimated EUR 100 billion will be invested in property developments and infrastructure between 2016 and 2035. The opportunities for investors and innovators in sustainable urban development are tremendous.
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€ 100 BN
to be invested in properties and infrastructure 2016-2035
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2 ND
Sweden is the second best country for sustainable development (SDG index, 2024)
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120 K
new jobs 2016-2035
Urban development: Gothenburg's sustainable transformation
Gothenburg is on a new path towards becoming a more sustainable and interconnected city. Investments currently being made in roads, railways, and public transport aim to make it easier for people to get around, improve the environment, and provide better conditions for businesses in the region.
But it’s not just about new buildings and infrastructure. We’re creating possibilities for meetings, interaction, experiences and development. This is generating immense optimism for the future, and part of the reason why we are attracting people, companies and investment like never before.
Gothenburg is carrying out a large-scale urban expansion. At the same time, we have highly ambitious sustainability goals. Expertise, innovative solutions and collaboration partners are needed to keep driving progress towards a sustainable city.
New infrastructure projects
In Gothenburg, well-functioning logistics and transport are already in place. The city is also investing heavily in infrastructure projects and public transportation to meet the demands of tomorrow.
Notably, a new tunnel under the Göta River, the Marieholm Tunnel, opened in December 2020, and a new bridge in the city centre, the Hising Bridge, opened in May 2021. Looking ahead, Gothenburg will see the construction of a new rail tunnel under the central city known as the West Link.
Considering investing in Gothenburg?
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Perfectly positioned
One of the Gothenburg strengths is its geographical location, with proximity to major shipping routes, railways, and highways.
Within a radius of 500 kilometres, 70 percent of the Nordic region's industry is located. Gothenburg also hosts the largest container port in the Nordics and Landvetter Airport.
Projects that are transforming Gothenburg
- River City
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The region is bustling with development projects, many of which are in ideal city locations. One such project is RiverCity, where former shipyard areas in the heart of Gothenburg have been revitalised and transformed into new urban districts. With 5 million sqm developed, including 25,000 apartments and workplaces for 50,000 people, it is the largest urban development project in Scandinavia.
One of the landmark features is the skyscraper Karlatornet, which was completed in 2024. Standing at 246 metres tall, it is now the Nordic countries' tallest building. The tower has quickly become an iconic feature of the city skyline, symbolising Gothenburg's ambitious urban transformation.
- GoCo Health Innovation City
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In just a few short years, GoCo Health Innovation City has emerged and strengthened the region’s life science sector. The new district brings together local companies and organizations while attracting new ones to the region.
The vision is a world-class life science district with 350 companies and 7,000 people, where collaboration is built into the core.
- Näst Innovation Destination Torslanda
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A new innovation district, Näst Innovation Destination Torslanda, is being developed at the Volvo Cars campus in Torslanda. The intention is to develop the area with 200,000-300,000 m2 of facilities specifically designed for innovators in the mobility sector.
Focus areas are materials, energy, software and mobility. Volvo Cars is heading this collaborative effort, together with the real estate companies Next Step Group and Vectura Fastigheter, with support from the City of Gothenburg.
- The Centralen Area
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The Centralen area is one of Gothenburg's most important development areas. In the Centralen area, 2,000 new homes and 20,000 jobs are planned. First up is the Park Central office building and the new Gothenburg Grand Central station building. The area has the best public transport options in the region and an underground central station with four tracks, just northwest of the current train station, is currently being built.
- The event district
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Gothenburg is also one of Sweden’s main event cities, hosting large conferences, concerts and sporting events. The area around the event district in central Gothenburg will undergo major changes going forward, including a new arena and new public swimming pools.
Opportunities for innovative companies
Gothenburg’s extensive plans demand not only major investments but also innovative and sustainable solutions. This presents opportunities for investors and businesses offering everything from smart energy solutions and ideas within traffic systems to different types of solutions for sustainable construction.
Businesses and academia are also encouraged collaborate to test new and more sustainable solutions. More and more exciting urban development and innovation projects are underway. One such project currently underway is Gothenburg Green City Zone, where vehicles and infrastructure are being tested with the aim of achieving emission-free transport by 2030. Another the Gothenburg Platform for Climate-neutral Construction.
A valuable asset for companies is LIndholmen Science Park, a collaboration arena for academia, public actors and the private sector, which drives national and international innovation projects and tests new solutions.
Innovative steps towards a sustainable future
Gothenburg leads in sustainability with emission-free transport and climate-neutral construction initiatives.
Virtual tour
Take a virtual tour and see some of Gothenburg's energy-efficient and innovative buildings. The VR-tour can be enjoyed without VR-glasses.
Test your innovations in Gothenburg
Join us and test your products and services using virtual reality, laboratories, simulated environments, or even in the real world. There are over 60 testbeds in the Gothenburg region and more than 100 in Gothenburg's county, Västra Götaland.
One example is HSB Living Lab, where students and researchers live inside a dynamic building in order to test innovations and technical solutions intended for next-generation housing. Another is Virtual Gothenburg Lab. A testbed for developing and utilizing Gothenburg's digital twin, "Virtual Gothenburg," for urban planning and development
Looking for a job in The Gothenburg region?
The Gothenburg region boasts a thriving business environment and is Sweden’s leading hub for business research and development. At the Move to Gothenburg website, you’ll find the right tools to get started, including tips, advice, and a job portal to help you navigate your job search.
Become part of a dynamic and innovative community.
Want to know more about investing in Gothenburg’s Urban development sector
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Get in touch
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Helen BairuInvestment AdvisorContact me about: Establish and invest, Urban development, Expansion and retention
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Mattias HedebergInvestment AdvisorContact me about: Urban development, Land and premises