– We have to adapt so that people want to be in the city center, so that we actually stop and use the city, says municipal manager Lars Norman Andersen in the Narvik commune about the current route.
The revolutionary project will illuminate, entertain and revitalize the center of Narvik
Narvik Municipality, Polaris Eiendom and Narvikgården cooperate in planning urban spaces, residential buildings and ground floors in the center of Narvik. This type of cooperation is new in Norway.
– We want to create a warmer and more open center in Narvik that will attract people and encourage them to stay. In short, we plan to design streets and squares that will protect against weather conditions, provide light and heat, and look more beautiful. We want the center to become a place for entire families, offering all the necessary retail, service and catering services and perhaps beautiful playgrounds. Offering local attractions at street level is extremely important. Our actions must be in line with the pride of the “Narvikings” and their great visions for the future,” says Rolf Thorsen, Managing Director at Polaris Eiendom.
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A new approach to city planning
Narvik kommune, Polaris Eiendom and Narvikgården have established cooperation within the framework of an urban planning document. He will lead the comprehensive and good development of Narvik city center. The cooperation is intended to ensure predictability and enthusiasm in further processes for both authorities and developers.
– This is a completely new approach to city planning in cooperation between the commune and developers through a common urban strategy. The quality of our performance can be much better when we work together than when we act alone. We can also introduce good changes faster than when we work in isolation, adds Narvikgården director Bjørnar Evenrud.
Rolf Thorsen of Polaris Eiendom estimates that these three entities – the municipality, Narvikgården and Polaris Eiendom – control about three quarters of the most important areas in central Narvik. This makes it possible to implement the process that is just starting.
The urban planning document is a tool for collecting and anchoring the goals and proposals of residents, authorities and landowners for the numerous public spaces, tenement houses and ground floors in the center of Narvik.
– Narvik is at the stage of creating a new history. If we want to attract people to work and family life in Narvik, we need a well-functioning center, says Narvik municipality government official Lars Skjønnås.
The official also emphasizes that they are completely dependent on the involvement of current residents.
Working together to shape space
– We have high expectations as to the results of this process. Now we need to explore the potential while taking into account residents' opinions. The enthusiasm shown by the people of Narvik is crucial to the success of this project,” says Skjønnås.
Rolf Thorsen from Polaris Eiendom was there responsible for urban development in Bjørvika, Oslo, where the A-lab architectural office was the main advisor. He will draw on these experiences when developing the center of Narvik and promises to take into account residents' opinions.
– During the first half of next year we will invite people to participate in the planning. People will be able to report their needs so that we can adapt our actions. Major infrastructure changes will take more time, but a lot can be achieved through art, decorations, lighting, benches and playgrounds. Looking at everything together, we will have a much greater opportunity to use resources in development, among others by engaging the best architects from the A-lab office,” adds Thorsen.
Everyone can contribute to changes in their environment. It is important that residents have the opportunity to express their needs and ideas for development. Working together to shape the space to make it more friendly and functional for everyone is very important.
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Source: Narvik Municipality
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