– Landlords and property owners are looking forward to a collaborative dialog and to tackling the challenges we face in Skellefteå together with Northvolt, says Jens Pihlblad, responsible for business policy at Mittnord.
The landlords' trade association is now inviting Northvolt to a meeting after Norran reported on the urgent housing situation in Skellefteå. According to Northvolt, more than 400 people are looking for a long-term solution to their housing situation in the near future.
– We have been in contact with Anders Thor and reached out to their management team. The reception has been very positive and we will be meeting with Northvolt next week, says Jens Pihlblad, responsible for business policy at Mittnord.
How can you help?
– We believe that Northvolt is the driving force behind the green transformation in Skellefteå, and we also believe that landlords are crucial to the green revolution.
Property Owners Mittnord consists of 15,000 properties divided among 3,000 members.
– If landlords can help Northvolt meet the challenges of the housing issue, they will do so, he continues.
– There are already significant areas in the existing property portfolio that can provide more housing in the short term, he says.
This requires the municipality to review regulations for upgrades to existing buildings.
It's not just about housing that's currently available for occupancy, he continues.
– There are landlords who would like to expand their existing portfolio by converting attics and basements in their properties, but the regulations prevent them from doing so.
You're talking about an exception from regulations?
– Exactly. If exceptions can be made at the local level, things would change quickly.
He explains that the landlords are in contact with the municipality of Skellefteå, and it's an ongoing dialog.
– I hope there is room for maneuver. We see it as a collective responsibility to solve the housing problem.
What kind of response have you received from your members?
– They see it as an incredibly important issue.
Norran has contacted the municipality for comment.