In the mid-1990s the condition of the properties was really poor. No significant renovations had been carried out since they were built. All of the waste water pipes needed replacing, the façades needed additional insulation, and the ventilation needed improving. Markbacken was worn out and rundown.

In addition to this, there were a number of social problems in the area. The area was in a downward spiral, with a high turnover of residents, various social problems, vandalism, general disturbance, and so on. Markbacken was perceived as unsafe, and had become a low-status area.

The Markbacken housing estate was built between 1957 and 1963 and is a relatively central district, with the city centre within both walking and cycling distance. Markbacken consists of approximately 1,200 flats, and there is a suburban centre nearby. All of this is owned and administered by the municipal housing company, Örebrobostäder AB. In the late 1990’s, the municipal housing company decided to move in and renovate the entire area. This mainly involved renovation of a physical character, but a social elevation of the district was also intended.

The objectives have been, apart from the purely technical measures the creation of greater security in the area; the creation of areas that look attractive and that the residents can be proud of; the shaping of the area in such a way that imagination and creativeness are stimulated; the creation of meeting places within the area; giving the tenants the better conditions to become more involved; the reduction of segregation for social, financial or cultural reasons, and all without forgetting to take into account the important matter of financial responsibility.

Major renovation work commenced in Markbacken in the year 2000. Different phases of the renovation work have been going on since then. The renovation work affects approximately 800 flats, of which 550 will be renovated and 250 demolished to make way for new buildings. The main reason for the demolition is that it was not financially viable to renovate those flats in this considerable proportions. The new construction is planned to include larger flats in the form of terraced houses. Another objective is to increase the housing solutions in the district by introducing over a period of time several forms of property letting. One form of this is Örebrobostäder’s method of working with leases with the option to purchase, which means that after a certain period the tenant has the option to buy the property at a previously-fixed price.

In conjunction with the demolition and subsequent new construction there are also plans to open up the area and make it more accessible by drawing traffic into the area, thus integrating it more into the city as a whole.

The physical renovation has meant enormous changes, and today the area is barely recognisable from its original design. The properties became aesthetically attractive and inviting, giving a whole new picture of the area. Today, Markbacken is a safe, secure district. Car crime, basement break-ins, damage and vandalism have basically ceased. Many residents report that it is a safe and pleasant place in which to live. People move around the area in ways they have not done before, taking advantage of the gardens and courtyards, and meeting each other. There is an increased sense of participation, solidarity, and community spirit, where people care about their environment, recognise their neighbours, and to a great extent know who lives in the area. The renovation of Markbacken has resulted in our successful breaking of the downward spiral. Markbacken has been turned around, and is now an attractive area with a low turnover of residents. It is now an area where people want to live; it is safe and pleasant. Simply put, it is a good residential environment.

Inhabitants of the area

Örebrobostäder AB
Cecilia Svedin (Responsible for evaluation of this project), tel. +46 19194200

//1999

case

Urban Policy > Urban environment > Urban renewal

Housing estate redevelopment