Collectively Exploring the Future of Sørsida’s Historic Buildings

At Sørsida in Ålesund, a debate is unfolding about the future of its historic buildings. While some are earmarked for demolition, others have already been given temporary functions by Sørsida Utvikling AS (SUAS) and private stakeholders. Now, through the Re-Value project, experts are exploring how these structures can contribute to the area’s future—both in the short term as co-creation spaces and in the long run as part of a more sustainable urban landscape.

A key challenge is understanding how developers assess the value of integrating existing buildings into new projects, whether as temporary hubs or permanent fixtures. In December 2024, property developers, architects, and urban planners gathered to share insights on the role of these buildings. Their discussions centered on three critical questions:

• How do these structures shape a sense of belonging?
• Can they serve as bridges between the past and present?
• Do they hold untapped social and commercial value?

The conversation revolved around five key sites at Sørsida, leading to several key takeaways. Participants emphasized that these buildings anchor local identity and could become focal points connecting Sørsida with the rest of the city. There’s no single formula for revitalization, but a thoughtful balance between heritage and future needs can shape a dynamic urban environment.

Cultural projects, such as the Kulturhavna initiative, emerged as powerful tools for creating new community spaces. However, developers noted a gap in formal knowledge on leveraging such initiatives for long-term value. Uncertainty in planning and lengthy permit processes were also raised as obstacles, with one participant linking the bureaucratic delays to a game of chess—where repeating the same move three times should mean you're out.

The insights from this workshop will soon be compiled into a detailed report and published in a peer-reviewed journal, offering further perspectives on how adaptive reuse can drive sustainable urban transformation.

About Ålesund Municipality and Sørsida Utvikling AS

The Municipality of Ålesund and its subsidiary Sørsida Utvikling AS are participating in Re-Value together, using the harbour on the south side of the city centre as a pilot area.

The area has been used for port logistics functions but is now being transformed for new functions: residential areas, cultural institutions and more. The project must also ensure a good co-existence with the remaining port functions.

Read more about the Kulturhavna community-lead urban development project here!

Publishing date: 5 February 2025

Authors: Municipality of Ålesund