The Norwegian National Rail Administration, Jernbaneverket, has invited Gottlieb Paludan Architects and Rambøll to participate as consultants on the parallel assignment for urban development around a new transport hub in Sarpsborg in Southern Norway.

The idea with the parallel assignment is to create a robust and realizable urban plan for the interface between the centre of Sarpsborg and the station. The parallel assignment focuses on the design of an effective public transport hub, future centre sprawl and urban structure, attractive solutions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users as well as good connections across the railway lines and station area.

As part of the current Norwegian inter-city project, Sarpsborg and Sarpsborg Station will become a transport hub over the next few years. The station was built in 1879 and situated on the edge of town; it will be refurbished and further tracks will be added, extending the railway service. These initiatives are expected to generate more traffic between the new station and the town centre, an area which is currently dominated by residential developments with very little urban life and activity. The idea is that the project will create a natural flow along the line from the rural surroundings around the station and into the town centre, given the formulation of an appropriate strategic, sustainable and future-oriented vision.

Photo 01: Junjun Guo