Ålesund
Located on the picturesque Norwegian west coast in the Sunnmøre fjords, Ålesund is the largest city between Bergen and Trondheim.
About
As the largest municipality in the county of Møre og Romsdal, Ålesund is a cultural centre and world-leading in marine and maritime industries. It has a well-established partnership between research, the private sector and, to a large degree, an engaged local population. In these partnerships, the city also commits to sustainability and its significant built heritage of aesthetically pleasing Jugendstil architecture.
In addition, Norway's largest port for fisheries is located here and the municipality is a major hub for public transport and tourism, cruise ships being a major contributor.
Re-Value(ing)
In the Re-Value partnership, Ålesund is actively working in the Sørsida area to create a sustainable and accessible urban environment contributing to urban quality and climate neutrality. In 2019, the municipality created a Special-Purpose Vehicle, “Sørsida Utvikling AS” (SUAS), a municipal company, to coordinate the development of the Sørsida waterfront district. The municipality and SUAS will use Re-Value to co-create and implement the district's transformation using data-driven approaches and story-building with the local community and other stakeholders.
Sørsida is to be developed from an under-utilised waterfront area to become a leading example of an urban area with sustainable solutions that deliver on the environmental urgency while working with the goals for economic development and social sustainability. The development will include business premises, cultural venues, and housing. Social sustainability will be fostered by creating suitable meeting places, safe urban spaces, innovative mobility solutions, and a diverse urban environment that promotes equal opportunities for all.
As part of Re-Value, Ålesund will develop processes to support the area's development and future city plans, with a strong emphasis on collaborative urban design and planning, using culture as a vehicle — all aiming to make the urban transition towards climate neutrality truly irresistible for Ålesund and its residents.
Learn more about the effort on Sørsida’s website.
Key Numbers
6
Local partners in Re-Value
67,000
Population
88,500m2
Pilot area
Timeline
Detailed Roadmap for the Waterfront Pilot in Ålesund
Discover the transformation of Ålesund's Sørsida, creative hub which blends temporary infrastructure and repurposed buildings. With a focus on youth engagement...
The NEB Approach in Sørsida, Ålesund
Learn how the NEB Approach and Compass Tool are shaping the development of Sørsida, Ålesund’s Re-Value pilot site. Part of the Re-Value Round series, this presentation...
Re-Value Innovation Cycles experience-based report 1
Discover how the Re-Value cities are using three types of Innovation Cycles to help them develop narratives for this transformation, find and apply the relevant...
Working together on Urban Planning and Design in Ålesund
Learn how Sørsida, Ålesund’s waterfront, is transforming from parking lots into a vibrant cultural hub. Locals are shaping its future with creative installations...
Partners
The sole responsibility for the content of this website lies with the project and in no way reflects the views of the European Union.