Jernhusen is in the process of giving Stockholm's Central Station a makeover that will transform the station into a modern travel centre with a broad, inspirational array of new services, retail outlets and experiences. Stockholm Central Station will become Sweden's ultimate meeting place based on travellers' needs, with increased public transport and development of the surrounding area.
What does the Stockholm Central Station initiative involve?
It involves Jernhusen making an investment of SEK 1 billion which will include foundation reinforcement, modernisation and expansion of the station in order to welcome and deal with travellers and visitors in a completely new way. The project is based on maintaining heritage in the form of a historical building, while also developing the station into a modern travel centre with an exciting range of services, shops and experiences, making Stockholm Central Station the real communications hub the region needs in order to meet future needs.
How will the work affect travellers and visitors?
Although we are aiming to keep disruption to a minimum (we shall be carrying out some of the work during the night), we hope people will understand that there may be mess or noise from time to time. This is a large-scale and complex project we are embarking on, and one which will affect large numbers of travellers and visitors for a long period of time. It is unfortunately unavoidable that some areas will be cordoned off in certain periods, which may necessitate minor diversions. It goes without saying that we shall do our utmost to provide clear signs and information about what is happening.
How long will the work last?
The work began in April 2009 and is scheduled for completion in June 2012.
Will things be open as normal?
Yes. We shall continue to have a functioning and open station. The Central hall is open between 05.00 and 00.15. The upper hall and lower hall for commuter trains are open Monday-Friday between 05.00 and 01.15, weekends between 05.00 and 02.15, while the Arlanda express waiting room opening hours are 04.30-00.30
Will there be the same availability of shops and services at the station during the work?
Yes, but some shops may temporarily move during the expansion work.
Will there be a better range of shops and services when it's all finished?
There certainly will be. Travellers and visitors will find a much broader selection of services and outlets such as food stores, delicatessens and pharmacies. There will also be even more cafés and restaurants. Our project is based on what people need when they visit the station. We are addressing the needs of all types of travellers - commuters, for example, who may have a few errands on their way home or leisure travellers who are setting off on a long trip abroad via Arlanda.
Will the Central Station be bigger?
Yes. We are expanding the station by over 4,500 square metres, the majority in the lower hall. We are also planning a new entrance onto Stockholm's Waterfront and will be expanding the north hall to the Arlanda Express.
How will Jernhusen incorporate environmental responsibility into the development work?
In every possible way. One concrete example is our intention to obtain Green Building certification for the station. This certification, which can be awarded during development, reduces energy consumption by a minimum of 25 percent compared with present energy consumption up to 2012.
Other examples include replacement of old technical installations with new technology, switching to LED lighting in general, including at our tenants premises, and re-use of surplus heat from the 200,000 or more people who pass through Stockholm Central Station every day.