The second phase of Foster + Partners’ Slussen masterplan in central Stockholm has opened. A recent ceremony included the inauguration of the Mälaren Staircase at the centre of Mälarterrassen, a terraced complex of cafes and restaurants, which is a new public building designed by the practice. When complete, it will provide a rich mix of uses over three levels, creating a new destination for locals and visiting tourists on the island of Södermalm. The Mälaren Staircase connects a large public plaza on the upper level (Södermalmstorg) with the quayside and the practice’s new Water Plaza that leads directly to Gamla stan.
Ongoing phases of the masterplan – a new enclosed bus station, the terraces themselves, a new public park, a shopping centre and an integrated metro station – will further enhance the accessibility of the waterfront by 2028, animated by shops, restaurants and cultural activities. This will contribute to making this an exciting and lively meeting place all year round.
Spencer de Grey, Senior Partner and Head of Design, Foster + Partners, said: “We are delighted to see the Slussen masterplan reaching this exciting milestone. Mälarterrassen plays an important role in reconnecting the urban fabric and enhancing pedestrian connections between Södermalm and the old town. It is part of our holistic vision for the city centre, which replaces outdated infrastructure and gives the waterfront back to the people of Stockholm.”
Echoing the site’s topography, Mälarterrassen nestles into the quayside granite wall of Lake Mälaren, with a series of public terraces orientated specifically to frame the panoramic views of Lake Mälaren, Saltsjön and the old town opposite. In addition to the central staircase, public escalators and lifts provide easy access from the plaza level to the quayside, while allowing natural daylight through to the external spaces facing north. The public plaza on the upper level has also been revitalised – and will be one of Stockholm’s largest public spaces for markets and events.
Working in collaboration with the City of Stockholm, Foster + Partners’ Slussen masterplan seeks to create a dynamic urban quarter, respond to its historic context, and transform the city centre. Completed in 2024, the Water Plaza redresses the balance between pedestrians, cyclists and road vehicles in the centre of Stockholm. The new plaza increases the area of public realm five-fold, with designated spaces for temporary installations and public art, including a collection of local archaeological finds by the artist Ebba Matz. A network of pedestrian pathways, cycle lanes, and generous timber decking spans the Water Plaza, with operable bridges that allow boats to travel through the central sluice.
The practice’s design minimises the threat of flooding by greatly expanding the lock capacity with its integrated flood defences and will secure the drinking water basin for two million people.
