Dynamic Karlskrona

Karlskrona is expanding! The inhabitants have not been this many during the last 50 years, and more are in the progress of moving here due to establishing companies, or due to further education. Karlskrona is working on the comprehensive plan to transform itself into a sustainable municipality. Among many issues considered, the city focuses on the most suitable areas for wind power development. Also, the targets for improvement of the inner city environment were developed including the areas of greenery and growth combined with the buildings and residential areas. The work of three architects concerning the central part of the town called Pottholmen have been recently evaluated. The area has a great potential for development. There are plans for constructing a World Trade Centre, travel centre, shops and residential areas. The area is close to the waterfront. The project shall be launched during 2012. The Blekinge Institute of Technology at Campus Gräsvik is also expanding its establishment by 15 000 m², situated just beside the waterfront. This will become the main campus during 2010. The municipality is investing approximately 32 million Euros on account of the Institute. The aim is to create a good environment for study, research, and also cooperation with commercial actors within trade and industry. The buildings are excellent examples of sustainable building development.

The new Scandic Hotel Karlskrona is to be open in April 2010. The hotel will have 180 rooms, and is situated on the waterfront, in the centre of Karlskrona.

The ferries of Stena Line between Karlskrona and Gdynia have had an intensive summer, and there are advanced plans for new larger ferries to be introduced on the route in 2010. The total amounts of passengers is 400 000 per year. The development of the industrial and port area of Verkö is planned.

As a part of the development towards a sustainable future a combined power and heating plant is to be built in Bubbetorp, situated I just outside the town. The plant will mean a considerable development of capacity when I delivering heating, which will reduce the city's dependence on oil.