The popular Stockholm nightclub Trädgården is at risk of closure after the county administrative board revoked its building permit. This decision has sparked significant backlash, with over 20,000 signatures collected in protest. Political figures, including Muf's Douglas Thor, criticize the bureaucratic system, while Stockholm's city officials assure efforts to find a solution. The nightclub remains open pending a court decision.
Stockholm's Iconic Nightclub Trädgården Faces Closure Amidst Political Uproar
Stockholm's Iconic Nightclub Trädgården Faces Closure Amidst Political Uproar
After the county administrative board's decision to revoke the building permit, the popular nightclub Trädgården in Stockholm may face closure in the long run. Politicians are now demanding action.
"I think it's outrageous. It's far too bureaucratic and rigid," says Douglas Thor, chairman of the Moderate Youth League (Muf).
He receives a response from the Social Democratic leadership in Stockholm.
The county administrative board's announcement last week to revoke Trädgården's building permit means the popular nightclub risks being shut down.
This has sparked strong reactions. A petition on social media has already garnered more than 20,000 signatures, and nightclub-goers are expressing their outrage over a potential closure.
"Our city, Sweden's capital (!!!), is becoming the quietest in Europe. What the hell is this?!" wrote Lawen Redar, the Social Democrats' cultural policy spokesperson, on Instagram.
Another critic of the county administrative board's decision is Douglas Thor, chairman of the Moderate Youth League, Muf.
"I think it's outrageous. Everyone wants it to stay, but we have a political system that prevents it. It's far too bureaucratic and rigid," he says.
He wants to see innovative solutions from Stockholm's politicians.
"I believe there should be more flexibility in the planning and building law to allow a business that has become a natural part of the area. Politics should be able to make changes to detailed plans more easily."
Criticism of Stockholm's City
The nightclub has had temporary building permits for 15 years, which is the maximum time allowed by law for extending a temporary permit. When the permit expired in January this year, Stockholm city tried to save the club by granting them a permanent building permit, even though the site is designated for port traffic according to the detailed plan.
However, after complaints from neighbors about high noise levels, the municipality's decision was appealed to the county administrative board, which last week rejected the new building permit.
For Douglas Thor, Stockholm city's efforts, led by the Social Democrats, are not sufficient.
"They say they don't want Trädgården to close down but also that it's not their responsibility to make Stockholm a more fun city, so I don't know how creative they will actually be," he says.
S-Response: "Not Urgent" for New Permit
Jan Valeskog (S), city planning commissioner in Stockholm, is "extremely keen" on the nightclub's future, and according to him, the S-led municipality is doing everything it can.
"If the permanent building permit does not get approved at a higher level, Stockholm's exploitation office will discuss with Trädgården this fall to agree on a new detailed plan.
Developing a new detailed plan can take several years, but in the meantime, Trädgården is protected from closure.
"This is not urgent for the business, I dare say. However, it's sad that not everyone can agree that this is a good business," says Jan Valeskog.
Jan Valeskog does not see a reason to review the planning and building law.
"We have good tools to work with here. If Douglas Thor wants to make bigger exceptions in the planning and building law, then he should go to his government. But I've heard it before, and it usually doesn't lead to much."
Trädgården has recently appealed the county administrative board's decision to the Land and Environment Court. The nightclub will remain open as usual until the court's ruling.