Malmö’s urban planning committee has granted a building permit for 175 new rental flats at Norra Ellstorp. The homes will be built in the Körsbärsträdet block, close to the future Östervärn square and Östervärn station. The decision adds rental housing in a central location close to public transport.

What the permit covers

The permit covers two apartment buildings between Södra Bulltoftavägen and Ellstorpsgatan. The larger building will have three sections of 12, 7 and 4 storeys, while the other building will be four storeys high.

  • Flats: 175 rental units
  • Sizes: one to five rooms plus kitchen, with an emphasis on smaller flats
  • Ground floors: three retail premises and one shared community room
  • Facades: brick and render in yellow and red tones
  • Roofs: solar panels planned

The courtyard is designed as a continuous, green and car-free environment.

Why the city is doing it

Stefana Hoti (MP), municipal commissioner for urban planning, said: “We need more rental flats so that more Malmö residents can find a home.” She said that as the five blocks at Norra Ellstorp are developed, the area will become a green district where it is easy to walk, cycle and use public transport.

Arwin Sohrabi (S), vice chair of the urban planning committee, said the plans for Ellstorp link Östervärn and Kirseberg and continue the development already started in the area. He added that the process aims to keep the small-scale and green features that exist there today. Emir Alic (L), substitute member of the committee, said the project brings 175 new homes of different sizes, from one-room flats to larger family homes, in a central location.

The wider area

The block lies in an area that will change considerably in the coming years. Both the new Östervärn square and a district park are planned in the immediate vicinity. The city says it will be easy to travel sustainably from Östervärn, with both Östervärn station and Värnhemstorget close by.

In a separate announcement in the city’s newsroom, a new detailed plan in southern Hyllie opens the way for around 600 new homes, with a mix of apartment blocks and terraced houses, a new preschool and a large park.