"Construction companies and house builders, driven by production needs to sustain their operations, find Skellefteå to be an ideal location. The vacancy rate here is exceptionally low," explains Petra Eriksson from Northvolt.
– Since the holiday season, we've seen positive movement, with creative housing solutions emerging from various stakeholders, says Eriksson, who focuses on employee needs outside the factory, including housing, transportation, and education.
Eriksson, with a background in construction, emphasizes the crucial role of the housing market:
– It's about making Skellefteå an attractive place to live for newcomers.
She encourages further collaboration, stating:
– Contact me if you have an idea to discuss and develop.
The ongoing need for housing is evident, with Northvolt estimating an additional 1,000 employees arriving in 2024.
Northvolt still has around 500 employees living in temporary housing. Additionally, the number of employees is expected to increase by approximately 1,000 people during 2024.
To address this, Eriksson highlights several strategies: utilizing peripheral areas with existing residences, improving public transportation, and supporting efforts for employes to acquire Swedish driving licenses.
Northvolt is also exploring innovative housing solutions, including co-living models, aiming for completion of the first project by spring.
While prioritizing convenient locations near the city center, they acknowledge the need for diverse options, catering to both those seeking independence and those preferring a shared living experience.
Northvolt hopes that new housing solutions will resonate with the evolving preferences and needs of those relocating to the region. "Concepts that might have failed a decade ago could find success in today's market," remarks Petra Eriksson.
Peter Larsson, the government's coordinator for the societal transformation in the north, also recently presented three proposals for possible state interventions to increase construction.
–The Minister of Housing and the government must quickly announce their plans to implement these proposals, she urges.
– If the government does not act quickly and chooses to wait until the autumn or even later, we will lose a year of construction,
Northvolt, along with other stakeholders, is exploring possible new housing concepts, including so-called co-living models. "It's about converting existing spaces into residences, but it requires new building permits. There are many good initiatives underway," says Petra Eriksson.
Beyond housing, Northvolt advocates for a holistic approach, collaborating with local businesses to expand offerings across various sectors.
– We're witnessing numerous spin-off businesses, and concepts unsuccessful a decade ago could find success today, Eriksson concludes, highlighting the region's dynamic growth potential.