The 2024 ULI Europe Young Leaders Study Tour in Stockholm brought together 41 young professionals from 16 countries, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city’s innovative real estate landscape and sustainability initiatives. Taking place over one and a half days in late September, the tour provided a unique opportunity to engage with senior industry leaders and examine Stockholm’s position at the forefront of sustainable urban development.

The tour commenced with an evening session at Storgatan 23C, a historic building dating back to 1735, now repurposed into a modern office space. Ariana Maaß, the Young Leaders Chair from Berlin Hyp AG, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the engaging days ahead.

Day one featured a comprehensive market overview by Bojan Ticic, Senior Director at CBRE Sweden. Ticic highlighted key trends in the Swedish real estate sector, including:

• The “hotelification” of real estate, with offices increasingly designed like hotels to enhance tenant experiences and provide owners with greater flexibility and additional revenue streams.
• The significant role of tech companies in driving the office market, with Stockholm leading as the most innovative country in the EU and boasting the second-highest concentration of tech unicorns per capita.
• Major infrastructure projects, including a railway expansion connecting Stockholm with Oslo, reinforcing the city’s role as a regional hub.

Arne Allewaert and Richard Lindqvist from AMAVI Capital discussed Sweden’s importance for the future of the built environment, emphasising the country’s innovative approach to sustainable development. Caroline Strand, Deputy CEO of Stockholm Business Region, shared insights on community-driven development projects, highlighting Stockholm’s entrepreneurial spirit and the city’s high livability. The session was skilfully moderated by Vlad Pent.

A key highlight was the revelation of Stockholm’s ambitious urban development plans, with a projected investment volume of €115 billion by 2040, focusing on housing and infrastructure development to support future growth and sustainability.

The second day began with a presentation of Hästen 21 by Stefan Andersson from Pembroke. This ambitious project, part of the larger ‘Project Access’ initiative, aims to transform one of Stockholm’s most central districts into a more accessible and attractive 24/7 destination. Hästen 21 is set to become a new landmark in central Stockholm, featuring a mix of retail, office, and public spaces designed to revitalise the area.

Participants also visited the Slussen redevelopment site, where Skanska is constructing a 140-metre long steel bridge designed by Foster + Partners. This project exemplifies Stockholm’s focus on infrastructure improvement and urban regeneration, aiming to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and improve connections between different parts of the city.

The tour integrated with the ULI Europe Leadership Retreat, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect directly with top senior leaders in real estate. A highlight was Amy Brann’s keynote speech on utilising neuroscience for peak performance, followed by an interactive session on early career development strategies, moderated by Malte Leschewitz and Nicolas Bearelle.

The final day focused on Nordic sustainability vision, featuring a visit to Rummel Restaurant designed by Henning Larsen. This innovative building showcases ‘design for disassembly’ principles, challenging traditional linear economic models in the construction industry and promoting the reuse of building materials.

Throughout the study tour, attendees benefited from numerous networking opportunities and gained valuable insights into Stockholm’s real estate market, sustainability initiatives, and innovative urban development approaches. The event highlighted Stockholm’s position as a leader in sustainable urban planning and its attractiveness for real estate investment.

The tour concluded with a guided visit to the Nobel Prize Museum, offering participants a unique perspective on Sweden’s contributions to global innovation and progress, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for forward-thinking and sustainable development.

Special thanks were extended to AMAVI Capital for hosting the opening event and Urban Partners (Nrep) for sponsoring the Young Leaders Retreat 2024.

Thank you to our event partners: