Plans for High-Rise Developments at Telefonplan in Southern Stockholm

Telefonplan, located in Hägersten in southwestern Stockholm, is set to undergo significant changes as the city proposes to build over the subway lines to accommodate approximately 900 new residential units along with a substantial amount of office space in the area.

The vision surrounding the subway station includes the creation of densely packed urban quarters featuring seven high-rise buildings ranging from 10 to 32 stories, designed to serve as a landmark for the locality. The initial proposals for taller structures were introduced in 2016, suggesting heights of 78 and 58 stories, which faced considerable criticism.

Local representatives have voiced concerns about the height of these buildings and their potential impact on the existing community. Engaging with neighborhood residents, they emphasize the importance of addressing the apprehensions of local inhabitants regarding the development.

One significant nearby structure is a factory built by the telecommunications company LM Ericsson during the 1930s and 1940s, which stands at the equivalent height of approximately 22 stories. This factory is recognized as a site of national interest due to its cultural significance.

Authorities, including the County Administrative Board, have stressed that the factory tower should maintain a prominent presence in its surroundings. The National Heritage Board has highlighted the factory's dominance in the environment and the tower's role as a landmark.

In response to the feedback from various stakeholders, city officials have indicated that the height of the proposed structures may need to be reconsidered. They are committed to ensuring that the development aligns with the cultural significance of the area.

The proposal to move the high-rise developments outside the initial construction plans reflects a cautious approach. City officials plan to further evaluate the more complex and contentious aspects of the project, particularly those involving tall buildings, while progressing with parts of the plan that are deemed more feasible. The objective is to ensure that the new constructions harmonize with the existing lower-rise structures in the vicinity.

Financing the project poses challenges due to the high costs associated with covering the subway lines. To address this, the city aims to develop a substantial number of housing units in the area to fund the construction efforts. Officials have noted that current economic conditions necessitate a focus on projects that are more easily achievable, rather than pursuing more challenging undertakings at this time.

Background on Telefonplan

In the mid-1930s, LM Ericsson expanded beyond its original facilities in the city center, establishing a new telephone factory in Midsommarkransen. This development spurred the demand for nearby housing, leading to the construction of an entire neighborhood in southern Midsommarkransen between 1938 and 1940, which included around 1,000 apartments with one or two rooms.

The Telefonplan subway station opened in 1964, marking the area as a vital transport hub. The proposed development site intersects several neighborhoods, including:

• LM-staden to the north
• Hökmossen to the west
• Västberga to the south
• Midsommarkransen to the east

As discussions continue, stakeholders remain focused on balancing urban development with the cultural and historical significance of the area.