Bro in Upplands-Bro Municipality is facing a major transformation with the aim of reversing the current development and making way for expansion and growth. Upplands-Bro is one of Sweden's most expansive municipalities and through the project Transformation Bro, they are now taking a holistic approach to social development. The project integrates spatial planning and social aspects under the vision Bro – a new model for the small town of the future. It is about moving from an urban area with a suburban nature to a modern small town characterised by community.

In the autumn of 2021, Upplands-Bro Municipality commissioned three architectural firms to visualise what the area around Bro could look like in 2030. The result was three different visual interpretations of Upplands-Bro's vision of the small town of the future.

The project consists of key elements such as new housing in and around central Bro, more jobs, a new school and a development program for the station area. To create safe and attractive routes through Bro where people can move and meet naturally, the city centre is linked to the station area, which is identified as a future hub of the small town.  

Social sustainability and inclusion

Social sustainability integrated into spatial planning is crucial in the project. The goal is a place where citizens feel pride in their small town. A public environment that welcomes, develops and strengthens local identity. Places that cater for all residents of Bro and create opportunities for encounters between different individuals and organisations in the community. When meetings take place, it enables participation and engagement in Bro's future development in a natural way. Broad and continuous participation among Bro's residents is therefore an integral part of the planning and implementation of all activities throughout the design process.

Project Description