Gothenburgers often call it Kastanjeplan. But here in Malmö it is Kastanjeplatsen. This small park in the Rosengård district holds more history than its size suggests.
Kastanjeplatsen’s story officially began in 1927. Malmö’s city council formally named it Kastanjeplatsen. Erik Bülow-Hübe included it in his city plan for the area in 1933. That plan is still in effect today.
Imagine this area in 1937. Malmö’s tram line 1 was extended to Kastanjeplatsen. It became the new terminus. This made Kastanjeplatsen a central point for the growing Rosengård district.
But that is not all. During races at Jägersro Racetrack, special buses ran from Kastanjeplatsen. Malmö’s tram company provided this extra service.
The city prepared Kastanjeplatsen for a new type of tram in 1950. A turning loop was built. These new trams only ran in one direction.
Then came 1962. Wessels Supermarket opened near Jägersro. The company started a free bus service between Kastanjeplatsen and the store. This service lasted until 1967.
In 1967 Sweden switched to right-hand traffic. Tram line 1 was replaced by bus line 30. Bus line 30 continued to Jägersro.
Today Kastanjeplatsen might seem like a quiet park. But it was once a transport hub. Trams, buses, and shoppers all converged here. This small park played a vital role in Malmö’s development.