Södermalm

A citizen's proposal to build more spontaneous-use tennis courts on Södermalm has been rejected by the Södermalm District Council. The administration determined there were no suitable locations in parks, as existing green spaces are crucial for recreation, biodiversity, and climate benefits. They also noted that spontaneous sports areas should accommodate more people simultaneously than a tennis court allows.

The Södermalm District Council addressed a citizen proposal for mobile bike repair shops staffed by summer-jobbing youths. The administration rejected the proposal in its current form, mainly due to the need for continuous presence of skilled supervisors for quality, safety, and proper handling of hazardous waste. However, the administration was positive about developing bike services in collaboration with civil society, for instance by expanding the pop-up bike repair concept similar to the one held in Björns trädgård.

The Södermalm District Council addressed a citizen's proposal to provide municipal preschools and schools with watering cans featuring the Stockholm city logo. The administration supported the proposal for preschools and decided to distribute watering cans to them, as well as to five park playgrounds, in May as part of a sunflower project. However, the administration could not act on behalf of the schools and forwarded the proposal to the Education Administration for their consideration.

The Södermalm District Council addressed a citizen proposal to renovate Södermalmsallén at Fatburs Brunnsgata, where sunken ground poses a fall risk. The District Administration lacks the budget and expertise to fix the subsidence but has asked the Traffic Office for help with investigation and planning, including a geological survey. They aim to level the ground and review the avenue's design and vegetation when funding allows, with the Traffic Office also exploring decorative winter lighting in the trees for 2026-27.

The Södermalm District Council addressed a citizen proposal to streamline training times for older children on Södermalm's football fields. The administration rejected the idea of using spontaneous play areas for club activities, as these should remain accessible to everyone for various activities. The portion of the proposal urging football clubs to optimize training times and distribute them more fairly was forwarded to the Sports Committee, as this matter falls outside the District Council's purview.

The Södermalm District Council considered a citizen proposal to purchase Tantogatan 75, also known as Molitors malmgård, to establish a Romani cultural center. While the administration was positive about the idea, they noted they do not own properties and therefore cannot acquire it. The question of operational organization remained unanswered, but the administration continues its work on Romani inclusion according to the city's human rights program and the action plan for Romani inclusion 2030.

The Södermalm District Council reviewed 18 citizen proposals received in March 2026. Seven proposals, including a new dog park in eastern Södermalm and an expanded alcohol ban in Södermalmsallén, were sent to the administration for further processing. Five proposals were redirected to other committees as they fell outside the district council's purview, while two had already been addressed.

The Liberals and Centre Party have requested a comprehensive overview of the Zinkensdamms IP project, detailing its economy, timelines, dialogue forms, and risks. They want the administration to adopt a more cohesive approach to developing the sports facility, working closely with the many associations that use it. The Sports Administration states they will present a revised investigation decision addressing these issues in 2026.

The Real Estate Committee is authorized to investigate the future of Eriksdalsbadet, Sweden's national arena for aquatic sports, with a budget of up to SEK 25 million. This investigation will explore three options: a complete renovation, a complete renovation that includes relocating the national arena, or new construction. The findings will inform a decision on the long-term development of the bath for the public and associations, addressing current deficiencies and high visitor numbers.

Liberal politicians propose using the empty statue plinth at Slussen, formerly occupied by Karl XIV Johan, for temporary art installations, similar to London's "Fourth Plinth." The Culture Administration supports enhancing art at Slussen but advises against using this plinth for more temporary art, as two other nearby locations are already planned for such works. Instead, the administration suggests the plinth could house a permanent artwork, provided dedicated funds are allocated.

The Board of S:t Erik Tullhusen AB decided to authorize its CEO to sign an agreement with the City Planning and Exploitation Committee regarding the new detailed development plan for Tullhusen at Skeppsbron. The CEO was also empowered to make minor amendments to the agreement, allowing the development work for the Tullhusen area to continue.

The Board of S:t Erik Tullhusen AB approved the budget for 2027, along with the strategic direction for 2028-2029, at a meeting on April 17, 2026.

The City of Stockholm is planning an extensive renovation and reconstruction of the culturally significant property Pelarbacken Större 4 on Götgatan, Södermalm. The building, which houses Södergården, Söderbokhandeln, and two other shops, is in poor condition and requires upgrades to meet modern fire safety and accessibility standards. The renovation is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028, after which the Culture Committee will become the primary tenant for Södergården's spaces, subletting them to the association.

The Centre Party has proposed that Stockholm investigate creating a language school for children with severe language disorders from preschool class to third grade, aiming to provide a better start in elementary school and continuous language development support, similar to existing language preschools. While the City Executive Board acknowledges the importance of early intervention, it believes a separate school is unnecessary given current support available in schools, such as a competence hub at Eriksdalsskolan and collaboration with the National Agency for Special Needs Education and Schools. However, organizations like Attention Stockholm and the Swedish Association of Speech-Language Pathologists support the language school proposal.

The City Council approved Familjebostäder's extensive SEK 434 million renovation plan for the Draget 1 property on Södermalm, encompassing 178 homes and twelve commercial premises. This project, which includes pipe replacements, new bathrooms, kitchen upgrades, and surface renovations, is set for completion by Q3 2030, with tenants being temporarily relocated. Tenants had previously challenged the plan, but both the Rent Tribunal and the Court of Appeal endorsed Familjebostäder's proposed measures and three renovation levels.

Therese Lindström (M) raised concerns with Traffic Commissioner Lars Strömgren (MP) regarding the significantly worsened traffic situation in southern Stockholm, criticizing the simultaneous execution of multiple major roadworks. Strömgren responded that total disruptions are unavoidable during infrastructure development, but the traffic department is intensely coordinating efforts and maintaining high standards for work environment and accessibility. The one-way traffic on Skansbron was implemented for worker safety and to shorten project duration, with full capacity at Johanneshov set for late 2025 and Skansbron reopening in both directions on December 9, 2025, at 6 AM.

The Liberals propose that the City of Stockholm prioritize renovation and maintenance of culturally significant buildings, explore budget adjustments for this, and establish a cultural heritage fund to protect associations from rent increases due to renovations, thereby preventing evictions of groups like those at Södergården and Kristinehovs malmgård. The majority, however, deems these proposals unsustainable, citing ongoing work on structural solutions, such as investigating the Culture Committee becoming the primary tenant for properties with important cultural value.

André Nilsson (L) proposed that the City of Stockholm investigate building an artificial surf wave in Slussen to boost recreation, tourism, and activity in the city center. Most committees and companies are positive to the idea, seeing its potential to enhance the city's appeal, but emphasize that Slussen's primary functions of water regulation and boat traffic must remain paramount. A full investigation is needed to address safety, technical solutions, and funding, among other aspects.

A motion by Jonas Naddebo (C) proposed expanding Hammarbybacken with an additional peak and raising the current one using excavation spoil from subway construction, aiming to promote year-round sports and recreation and strengthen Stockholm as an event city. However, the City Executive Board rejected the motion, citing a lack of surplus excavation material and the sensitive natural values of the area, including the Nacka nature reserve, which must be considered.

Councillor Nike Örbrink (Christian Democrats) proposed that the City of Stockholm amend its rules to allow seniors to drink their own alcohol at the city's meeting points, such as Lusthuset Hornstull, to "add a touch of luxury to their everyday lives." The City Executive Board advises against the proposal, arguing that current legislation would make it impossible to sell refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks if personal alcohol were permitted, thus detracting from the social experience for most. However, the Södermalm District Council has initiated a trial where residents of a service house can drink their own alcohol at Lusthuset when it is closed to the public.