Stockholm Approves Sports Venue Upgrades Across Three Districts

Stockholm city council voted on 10 July to release 52 million kronor for renovations and expansions at three sports sites, with work scheduled to begin in September 2026.

The funding addresses rising bookings at municipal venues after participation in organised sport climbed 18 percent between 2023 and 2025, according to figures from Stockholm Stad’s idrottsförvaltning. Without added space and updated surfaces, several clubs already report waiting lists that stretch into the next calendar year.

Östermalms IP on Valhallavägen will receive a new artificial turf pitch and LED lighting, while Zinkensdamms IP in Södermalm gains two additional indoor halls for handball and basketball. A third site, the multi-use complex at Hammarbybacken, will see its changing rooms and spectator seating enlarged to handle larger youth tournaments.

City records show the Östermalm site currently hosts 620 training sessions each month, mostly for clubs based in Norrmalm and Östermalm. Zinkensdamms IP recorded 410 bookings last winter, with peak hours between 17:00 and 21:00 fully subscribed. The Hammarbybacken expansion is projected to add room for 280 extra weekly users once complete in spring 2028.

Work schedule and access changes

Contractors will close the main grass pitch at Östermalms IP from 1 September through March 2027 while the new surface is laid. During that period, affected teams have been offered slots at nearby Gärdet fields, which the council has reserved through a temporary agreement with the Swedish Armed Forces. At Zinkensdamms IP, one indoor hall will remain open throughout construction so that evening leagues can continue without interruption.

Residents who book courts or pitches through the stadens bokningssystem will receive automatic notices about any temporary relocations. The idrottsförvaltning has also set aside 1.2 million kronor for extra transport subsidies for youth teams that must travel farther during the works.

Next steps for clubs and residents

Applications for the 2027 spring season open on 15 August via the city’s online portal. Clubs are advised to submit requests by 30 September to secure priority slots before public bookings begin. Updated maps showing closed areas and alternative venues will appear on the Stockholm Stad website by the end of July.