Sweco, a European engineering and architecture consultancy, has been entrusted with the design and planning of a new regional hospital in the Swedish city of Kiruna.

Kiruna, located in the northernmost part of the country, is currently undergoing a significant urban transformation programme as it moves 3km east to accommodate the expansion of a vital iron ore mine.

Sweco will be responsible for creating a hospital that meets the healthcare needs of the residents of Kiruna. It will involve the construction of the hospital on a former mining site, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

The project, commissioned by Region Norrbotten, is expected to be completed between 2029 and 2031.

The new hospital aims to provide the same range of healthcare services as the existing facility but with enhanced and streamlined infrastructure.

Sweco's role extends beyond planning and design; as the lead consultant, the firm will oversee the creation of programme documentation and leverage its broad expertise to ensure the project's success.

The company’s experience in healthcare projects spans across various European countries positions it to bring valuable insights and proven strategies to the Kiruna hospital relocation project.

Sweco Sweden business area president Ann-Louise Lökholm Klasson said: “Sweco has significant experience in planning, designing and managing construction projects for hospitals. We are supporting Region Norrbotten with a multidisciplinary team that combines local expertise, advanced engineering and architecture skills – and that can manage the unique challenges of building north of the Arctic Circle.”

“From Sweco’s side, we are ready to contribute our expertise to help create this important component of societal infrastructure that will benefit the citizens of Kiruna for many years to come. Our goal is not just to create a hospital that meets today’s healthcare needs, but one that also is sustainable, robust and adapted for the future.”