Residents clash over 900-unit housing plan

RO Properties and Urban Partners are proposing to demolish 26 villas in Stockholm's Nacka municipality to build 900 new apartments near the planned Järla metro station, though the project faces mixed reactions from local residents and politicians.

Swedish real estate developer RO Properties is moving forward with plans to demolish 26 of 37 existing villas in the Birka area of Nacka, Stockholm, to make way for a major residential development. In partnership with Urban Partners, the company intends to construct 900 new apartments on the site, located adjacent to the upcoming Järla metro station.

The development will feature buildings reaching up to nine stories, with the tallest structures positioned along Värmdöleden to serve as a noise barrier for the entire area.

However, the project’s future remains uncertain as local residents weigh in on the extensive transformation. Public opinion appears divided, according to local media outlet Mitt i.

“There are a couple of housing cooperatives in the area that will be affected by noise and traffic, particularly during construction. Of course it will be difficult, but we’ll do what we can to redirect traffic to minimize the impact as much as possible,” says Peter Barnholdt.

“Entails serious impact”

Political consensus on the project is also lacking. The Social Democrats, Left Party, Moderates, Centre Party, and Liberals support the development, while the Christian Democrats remain hesitant. Nackalistan is openly critical.

“The project entails a serious impact on both natural and cultural environments. Particularly in relation to the area’s topography and the valuable historically significant buildings that risk being negatively affected,” says Lina Olsson (NL).

Initially, the plan called for 1,200 apartments. However, to preserve the area’s most significant natural values, 300 units were cut from the proposal.