Doesn’t the name Industrigatan hint at the street’s past? This long street in Malmö’s Norr and Öster districts has a rich history. It stretches from Föreningsgatan and Olof Hägensens allé. Industrigatan crosses Nobelvägen, Kontinentalbanan and Danska vägen.
Let’s take a walk down Industrigatan. Its westernmost part was Grafgatan on Jöns Åbergs map from 1882. The name was official in 1889. Grafgatan’s name came from its location near graveyards. Industrigatan was extended in 1904. It was then named Industrivägen. The name soon changed to Industrigatan.
As the name Industrigatan suggests, the street was once home to many industries. Malmö stads spårvägar and Malmö Lokaltrafik once operated here. Malmö stads gasverk also had operations on Industrigatan. Addo and Malmö Oljeslageri were east of Nobelvägen. Happachs Såpfabriks AB was also located here.
In 2015, the demolition of Happachs Såpfabriks AB got attention. EU migrants had settled there. They were forcibly evicted. Today, Industrigatan is changing. The area is becoming more attractive and green. It is an important route for pedestrians and cyclists. It connects the city center with eastern Malmö. Industrigatan is also becoming a nice space for residents and visitors.
The redesign of Industrigatan focuses on a good environment and sustainable development. The pedestrian path started early in the area’s transformation. The first stage was completed in 2021. It included both pedestrian and cycle paths.
Along Industrigatan, there will be spaces for meetings. There will also be smaller areas for outdoor dining. Buildings along the street will allow for shops and public spaces. The upgrade includes better lighting. It includes more trees and wide sidewalks.
A cycle path runs along the north side of Industrigatan. It goes from Föreningsgatan to Nobelvägen. The plan is to extend it towards Östra Farmvägen. This will connect all the cycle paths along Nobelvägen. It will connect S:t Knuts väg, Östra Farmvägen and Föreningsgatan.
The conversion from industries to residential areas is complex. It involves demolitions and renovations. The area between Zenithgatan, Celsiusgatan, Industrigatan and Nobelvägen is transforming. It is becoming part of Malmö’s inner city. It connects Malmö’s eastern parts with the center.
The Sorgenfri development area is large. It covers nine blocks and 38 properties. The complete transformation will bring approximately 2,500 new homes to Malmö. The area will have a dense block structure. It will feature varied architecture. There will be a mix of homes and businesses. Industrigatan is more than just a street. It is a story of change. It is a story of industry to modern urban living.