05.02.24

“Arena expert” builds Sweden’s new meeting place

The new arena “Krona” in Kungsbacka, south of Gothenburg, will house everything from a sports facilities and restaurants to a climbing walls, offices and rooftop gardens.

“This is a significant and important project for us, in a part of Sweden that is undergoing major development. We have worked meticulously on a proposal that will generate interest and curiosity, aiming to create an attractive destination for both residents and visitors,” says Robin Rakke, lead architect at Hille Melbye Architects and arena expert.

He has previously worked on projects such as the new Jordal Amfi, Uppsala Arena, and currently on the new Nadderud Stadion and sports park.

Hille Melbye Architects will design the new arena in collaboration with Swedish firm Semrén & Månsson Arkitekter and Danish-Swedish landscape architects Mareld Landskapsarkitekter.

The project has a total investment budget of 550 million Swedish kronor, and the client is Kungsbacka Municipality. The plan is for the building to be completed by 2027.

BRINGING THE CITY TOGETHER AROUND SPORTS: The “Krona” arena will be an important gathering place for the local community, with the sports city located centrally in Kungsbacka, close to the city center.

Kungsbacka Arena, “Krona,” has a total area of over 20,000 square meters, of which 10,000 square meters are commercial spaces connected to the arena. The main arena has a seating capacity of 3,500 spectators for concerts and 2,500 for sports events. The integrated football stadium has a seating capacity of just over 1,000 seats, with the possibility of expansion to 3,000 seats.

The new building will be designed so that the arena opens up towards the city, and all activity inside the arena is visible from the outside on all levels. A generous entrance area facing the square will connect all the functions and create a vibrant heart in the center of the project. The name “Krona” comes from the visual expression of the facade. During major events, the crown on the arena will be lit up, illuminating the city skyline.

The arena and sports square will connect Kungsbacka city center with the sports city, and it has been a prerequisite that the area between the city center and the arena can be developed into an urban, lively, and attractive area.

“The goal is for the new arena and the surrounding area to contribute as a generator for a sustainable transformation of the entire area, where the project takes social, ecological, economic, and cultural responsibility. It will contribute to lifting the entire Kungsbacka,” says Rakke.