7 urban development projects shaping Gothenburg’s future

Gothenburg is growing faster than any other major city in Sweden, and large-scale investments underway to cement the region's position as a hub for business and innovation. Whether you're looking for access to cutting-edge expertise, want to be part of a creative environment, or need a central location, Gothenburg has a lot to offer.

A construction boom like no other

The scale of development is visible all across the city. Around the Central Station, a major transformation is underway. At Masthuggskajen, a new peninsula is extending into the river and a new district is taking shape. On the opposite bank of the river, the towering Karlatornet, the tallest building in the Nordics, dominates the skyline.

Beyond the city centre, entire neighbourhoods are evolving, and previously undeveloped land is being prepared for new industries. These areas are set to become key hubs for innovative sectors.
“We're in the middle of a construction period that is unprecedented in Gothenburg’s history,” says Henrik Einarsson, director of investment services at Business Region Göteborg. 

The volume of investment in urban development has more than doubled since 2010. Between 2024 and 2035, we expect investments to total over SEK 900 billion.

Gothenburg’s rapid population growth and economic expansion, along with its emergence as a knowledge hub, are driving job creation. Infrastructure and centrally located office space are crucial to sustaining this growth. 

The first station of the West Link railway project, Centralen, is expected to open in December 2026. Around it, extensive new office, retail and eventually residential space will be developed.

“The most accessible location in the region is being transformed. Central Gothenburg is growing the fastest, but there is a lot of development in other parts of the city and region too,” says Henrik Einarsson. “Investments in infrastructure are paying off. Commuting is getting easier, and there’s an abundance of creative and innovative environments - for large companies, SMEs, and startups alike,” he adds. 

Gothenburg’s rapid population growth and economic expansion, along with its emergence as a knowledge hub, are driving job creation. Infrastructure and centrally located office space are crucial to sustaining this growth. 

The first station of the West Link railway project, Centralen, is expected to open in December 2026. Around it, extensive new office, retail and eventually residential space will be developed.
“The most accessible location in the region is being transformed. Central Gothenburg is growing the fastest, but there is a lot of development in other parts of the city and region too,” says Henrik Einarsson. 
“Investments in infrastructure are paying off. Commuting is getting easier, and there’s an abundance of creative and innovative environments - for large companies, SMEs, and startups alike,” he adds. 

7 exciting places to watch

Here are seven places in and around Gothenburg where things are really happening:

1. Central station area
2. Lindholmen
3. GoCo Health Innovation City
4. Näst Innovation Destination Torslanda
5. Campus Lundby
6. Gamlestaden
7. Härryda

What’s happening there? 

New neighborhoods are starting to emerge. Among other things, work is underway on the two large buildings that will be located above the underground station, Grand Central and Park Central. Grand Central is the new station building and will be located directly north of Nils Ericson [bus] Terminal. Park Central will be an office building directly east of Grand Central. On the roof of Götaleden - a stretch of the European route 45 that runs through the city - offices, housing, shops and walking paths down to the river will be built.

Who should consider this area?

Companies wanting proximity to other firms and convenient access for commuters. Excellent connections to retail and city services. 

What’s unique? 

It’s the most accessible spot in the region, with new hotels and meeting spaces being added.

What’s happening there?

New developments include The Yard - a tech hub with co-working space, offices, and a large workshop. A new ferry line to the innovation centre Uni3 has improved access, and a tramline opening in December 2025 will further boost connectivity. There are also plans for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the river. 

Who should consider this area? 

Tech-driven companies wanting to be near similar businesses - big names like Ericsson, Zeekr Technology and Semcon are already here, alongside startups and creative industries.

What’s unique? 

A central location with strong transport links and access to a skilled talent pool.

What’s happening there?

In January Mölnlycke Health Care moved into its new global headquarter, and during the year Thermo Fisher Scientific will open its new bioanalytical lab - the company’s first in Europe.

The next phase of the development entails GoCo Active Lab, a combination building with state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced training environments. This is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.

Who should consider this area? 

Life science companies looking to be part of a cluster characterized by collaboration and innovation.

What’s unique? 

Direct proximity to AstraZeneca’s second-largest global research facility.

What’s happening there?

Two buildings – Näst Treehouse and Näst Hill House - are under development, and scheduled for completion in April 2026 and 2027, respectively.  

Who should consider this area? 

Suppliers and innovation partners working on electrification and future mobility.

What’s unique? 

Unparalleled access to Volvo Cars and its core operations. 

What’s happening there?

The Volvo Group’s plan is to add around 500,000 sqm of workshops and offices. Construction is in full-swing and the area is transforming into a district with green avenues, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Who should consider this area? 

Volvo Group partners and suppliers.

What’s unique? 

This is the beating heart of the Volvo Group.
 

What’s happening there?

Gamlestadens Fabriker will offer 100,000 sqm of space for offices, retail, and services. Urban development projects here include housing, bridges, and parks. The transformation is expected to be completed around 2040, with some parts already developed. Among other things, SKF's old factory area will be converted into a mixed urban environment (with 700 homes) and a park will be developed by the Säveån waterway.

Who should consider this area? 

Creative and circular businesses, both large and small. Lower rents than in the city centre.

What’s unique? 

Strong transport links and a raw, inspiring vibe. Home to Yesbox, a collaborative space for entrepreneurs.

What’s happening there? 

In 2025, the detailed plan for the logistics hub Link 40 was adopted, and more detailed plans are in the works. These include Logistics Park 2 at Landvetter Airport, the Bugärde area just north of Ryamotet, and Mölnlycke Business Park stage 3. In the long term, a railway will be built from Landvetter Airport towards Gothenburg.

Who should consider this area? 

Logistics firms, warehousing, light manufacturing, and food industries. Major players like DB Schenker and DHL are already here.

What’s unique? 

An excellent logistics location with a strong network of industry players.

Gothenburg’s appeal is growing stronger

The city has transformed dramatically in recent decades—and the pace of change shows no signs of slowing. Public and private initiatives continue to reshape Gothenburg into a city where people want to live, work, and thrive.

“Much of the new development reflects the business sector’s demand for innovation," says Henrik Einarsson. "Companies are willing to invest - and keep investing.”

While it continues to be expanded for business, many initiatives are underway to make Gothenburg a city where people not only want to work, but also live and thrive. Many of the homes will be built adjacent to the locations discussed above, and this includes attractive waterside locations.

There’s also momentum in the tourism and events sector, with World of Volvo now open and Liseberg Oceana being rebuilt after the 2023 fire. More hotels are also under construction.