Helsingborg Central Station

As one of Sweden’s largest transportation hubs, Helsingborg Central Station serves as a nexus for bus, ferry, and train services, with approximately 23,000 daily train passengers—a number expected to increase significantly soon. The building also houses restaurants, shops, and offices. By expanding the existing facility, property owner Wihlborgs aimed to create state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly office spaces at the city’s most connected location. Their ambition extended to enhancing the functionality of the transportation hub while transforming it into a building the city could take pride in—a facility that meets the growing needs of the city and its people.

From zoning to execution

At Tengbom, we were tasked with realizing the vision for the new Helsingborg C, spanning all project phases from detailed planning to final construction across several sub-projects. The development occurred in two stages. The first, Hamnhuset, was completed in spring 2016, adding five floors with 8,000 square meters of modern, cohesive office spaces. When the second phase, Stationshuset, was finished in 2022, the transit center had been modernized and complemented with an additional 1,000 square meters of office and commercial space.

“We’ve worked with Helsingborg C, formerly known as Knutpunkten, from the planning phase onward, maintaining a dialogue with Wihlborgs and Helsingborg municipality. By focusing on site studies, core values, and project goals in a collaborative modeling process, we developed a comprehensive volume study and vision sketch, which formed the foundation for the new zoning plan. After its approval, we were entrusted with refining the project through every stage,” says Patrik Ekenhill, lead architect.

The new Central Station provides Helsingborg with a refreshed and distinct identity.

A contemporary identity for Helsingborg

The local office’s wide-ranging expertise, from design to advanced technical solutions, proved pivotal in delivering this project. Our long-standing collaboration with Wihlborgs also enabled us to handle interior design and tenant customization.

“This collaboration with Tengbom has been outstanding,” says Peter Siroky, property manager at Wihlborgs. “With Patrik Ekenhill leading this project, Tengbom has shown remarkable sensitivity to our needs, adapting the design to deliver results that satisfy all parties involved.”

Complexities of a busy hub

Handling a project of this complexity required a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating urban planning, architecture, and interior design. The station remained operational throughout construction, with over 40,000 people passing through daily, demanding a streamlined timeline. To meet these challenges, the construction used a prefabricated system with a steel column-and-beam structure and hollow-core slabs, creating flexible, column-free office spaces. The facade features prefabricated glass modules, reducing installation time and boosting energy efficiency. The project also achieved the prestigious Miljöbyggnad Guld certification for environmental sustainability.

“We appreciated Wihlborgs’ long-term thinking in choosing high-quality materials.”

Patrik Ekenhill

Hamnhuset: a floating addition

Located at the heart of Helsingborg, the facility is a dominant structure. To soften its presence, we designed two distinct buildings: Hamnhuset and Stationshuset. Hamnhuset features a five-story addition with a glass-and-metal facade. The structure appears to float above the original terminal, parking garage, and office spaces. Its design blends with the cityscape and waterfront. A bronzed stainless steel facade adds depth, shifting with the changing light.

“We appreciated Wihlborgs’ long-term thinking in choosing high-quality materials,” says Patrik Ekenhill. “The bronze facade is estimated to last around 100 years, adding both sustainability and a timeless character to the building.”

Stationshuset: a space for the city

The second phase, Stationshuset, is Helsingborg’s most public space, representing an even more demanding transformation. The design focuses on improved security, better flow, new commercial spaces, and a distinctive identity. The glass volume contrasts with the city’s traditional stone architecture, featuring expansive transparency and warm materials like wood and bronze.
Inside, new levels were created to optimize space, including coworking areas and a lively second-floor dining destination. The architectural design balances functionality with a warm, natural aesthetic, welcoming travelers into a modern, human-centered environment.

A sustainable future

Helsingborg lacked this type of vibrant, station-adjacent space. With Tengbom’s involvement, Wihlborgs has significantly enhanced the property’s value and revitalized the area. More people now move through the space, improving the perception of safety at the station and its surroundings. Connections to Oceanhamnen and the H+ area strengthen Helsingborg Central Station as a sustainable, strategic growth hub. The result is a fresh and cohesive identity for the city.