11 urban development projects shaping Gothenburg’s future
Gothenburg is growing faster than any other major city in Sweden, and large-scale investments are being made 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. Just a few kilometres away, 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 2026 and 2035, we expect investments to total over SEK 800 billion, approximately EUR 80 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 new West Link railway tunnel, Gothenburg Central Station, 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.
The volume of investment in urban development has more than doubled since 2010. Between 2026 and 2035, we expect investments to total over SEK 800 billion.
11 exciting places to watch
Here are eleven places in and around Gothenburg where things are really happening:
1. Central station area
One of Gothenburg’s most important development zones, covering Kvarnberget, Lilla Bommen, and areas north of Nordstan and the Central Station. During the next 20 years, there are development plans for 2,000 new homes, workplaces for 20,000 people, and spaces for culture, recreation, and community life.
A new underground station is also being built as part of the West Link project (Västlänken) - which will enhance train frequencies and reduce travel times for commuters from December 2026.
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.
2. Lindholmen Innovation District
Lindholmen Science Park started as a joint effort between Chalmers University of Technology, the City of Gothenburg, and the private sector. Since 2000, the area has grown into a vibrant innovation district focused on technology and research
It remains the beating heart of Gothenburg’s tech and mobilty cluster and the city’s most knowledge-intensive area, gathering around 30,000 people daily.
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.
3. GoCo Health Innovation City
Located in Mölndal next to AstraZeneca’s major R&D site, GoCo is growing into a dense and world-class life science district. The vision is 350 companies and 7,000 employees across 200,000 square metres.
Around 100 companies are already based there, including Mölnlycke Health Care,Fujirebio Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Ribocure Pharmaceuticals and Cereno Scientific.
What’s happening there?
In January 2025, Mölnlycke Health Care moved into its new global headquarter, and in May 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific opened its new bioanalytical lab - the company’s first in Europe. During the summer of 2026, GoCo Active Lab, a combination building with state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced training environments was also inaugurated.
Who should consider this area?
Life science and health companies looking to be part of a cluster characterised by collaboration and innovation.
What’s unique?
Direct proximity to AstraZeneca’s second-largest global research facility.
4. Näst Innovation Destination Torslanda
Näst Innovation Destination Torslanda (Näst) is a mobility neighbourhood adjacent to the Volvo Cars campus in Torslanda.
Näst spans 200,000 sqm is entails co-working spaces, private offices and labs, all designed to encourage collaboration. Co-working spaces and private offices are already open, with two new buildings underway.
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.
5. Campus Lundby
The global development centre for the Volvo Group’s transport solutions. Most of Volvo’s Gothenburg-based activities are being gathered here to promote collaboration and innovation.
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.
6. Gamlestaden
The second fastest-growing district in Gothenburg after the city centre. It connects central Gothenburg to the north-east and could become part of an expanded city core.
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.
7. Härryda
Close to Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Highway 40, this area is important for Gothenburg’s logistics sector. Airport City offers 1.5 million sqm of developable land. The area will be developed in several stages and will include both logistics parks and a business park.
Areas north of Highway 40 and the stretch towards Mölnlycke will also be developed.
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.
8. Campus Medicinareberget and Sahlgrenska Life
Campus Medicinareberget is a centrally located hub for life science research and innovation, bringing together 300 companies, over 3,000 researchers, 7,700 healthcare professionals and around 20,000 university students. The area offers over 150,000 sqm of innovation labs and office space. It is also expanding with new buildings and refurbishments underway and planned, including Sahlgrenska Life, one of the largest investments in future healthcare in the Nordic region.
What’s happening there?
Sahlgrenska life is under construction. It consists of three new buildings that will physically link Sahlgrenska University Hospital, with the Medical Faculty at University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, and the Faculty of Science and Technology. Designed specifically for interaction and collaboration, the new buildings will bring together healthcare, research and business.
Zoologen, a 6,400 sqm facility, is undergoing a major refurbishment and will be completed in autumn 2026, providing modern laboratory and office space for life science companies.
The long-term development plans for the area are substantial, and this will create further opportunities for companies to become part of this growing ecosystem.
Who should consider this area?
Life science companies that want a collaborative environment and immediate proximity to the university, the university hospital, students, researchers and clinicians.
What’s unique?
Academia, industry and healthcare meet in central Gothenburg.
9. Forsåker
Forsåker is transforming a former paper mill area in central Mölndal into a vibrant mixed-use district. The project will deliver around 3,000 homes, 4,000 workplaces, public spaces, and cultural destinations, all within walking distance of Mölndal station and just eight minutes from Gothenburg Central Station.
What’s happening there?
Construction is underway on the first residential quarters, while historic industrial buildings are being repurposed for culture, retail, and experiences. The future district will feature new schools, parks, mobility hubs, and Papyr, which will bring together culture, creativity, and hospitality in the preserved mill buildings.
Who should consider this area?
Companies in creative industries, urban services, retail, hospitality, culture, and knowledge-intensive sectors looking for a well-connected location in a fast-growing urban environment.
What’s unique?
A rare combination of industrial heritage and modern urban development. The district is built around the rapids that powered the paper mill for centuries, creating a distinctive setting.
10. Arendal
Arendal is one of Scandinavia’s most important port, logistics and industrial areas. Adjacent to the Port of Gothenburg, the Nordic region’s largest container port, the project Arendal 5.0 will add approximately 200,000 sqm of modern industrial and logistics space.
What’s happening there?
As part of Arendal 5.0, new industrial and logistics facilities are being developed in phases from 2026 onwards. Older buildings are being replaced with modern, flexible premises designed to meet future demands for automation, AI-enabled operations, sustainable energy use, and efficient goods flows.
Who should consider this area?
Innovation driven logistics and industrial companies requiring direct access to port infrastructure, rail connections and robust power supply.
What’s unique?
Few locations in Northern Europe combine immediate access to a major port, extensive industrial land, rail connectivity, and future-ready infrastructure.
11. Masthuggskajen
The city’s inner west, a hub for business and culture in Gothenburg, is expanding into the river, with a new “half island” project, Masthuggetskajen. 1,300 new apartments and office space for up to 6,000 people are currently under construction.
What’s happening there
Apart from the new homes and offices, the plans include a hotel, shops, restaurants, an experience centre and parks.
Foundation work for the new peninsula began in 2022. The first residential building was completed in early 2024. The entire development is expected to be completed around 2031.
Who should consider this area?
Businesses in knowledge-intensive industries, creative sectors, professional services and urban innovation.
What’s unique
With its rich heritage and central location, Masthuggskajen has long been a hub for culture, diversity, and city life.
Everything is working together to boost Gothenburg’s attractiveness. The outlook for continued growth is very positive.
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.
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Henrik Einarsson
Director of Business Establishment and Investment Contact me about: Establishment, Investments