Plans now being made for the new complex

"The new government building complex will be a modern, open, living and safe urban area," says Minister of Local Government and Modernisation, Jan Tore Sanner. Statsbygg has been commissioned to start work on the planning process for the new complex. This phase should be completed by 2016.

"The government building complex will be an urban area that is open and inviting for the people who work their, visitors and city residents. These will be the criteria for the planning work now starting," says the minister. 

Sanner has asked Statsbygg to determine whether the complex can be built in phases with gradual occupation. The minister also wants an 'idea phase' to be introduced as part of the zone planning process.

"The government building complex will be a massive construction project in the heart of Oslo. To ensure the best result, I want to invite input from a range of experts in Norway on the layout and design of the complex. We have therefore decided to run the idea phase as a parallel project. This will also encourage public debate - something important in such a huge construction project," adds Sanner.

The parallel project will be made public and the best ideas incorporated into the zoning plan for the area. The government wants to protect the large-scale works of art in the Y-block, and ways of doing so will be included in the parallel project.

The new government quarter will be developed on the basis of the national zoning plan.

About the planning process:
The planning process initially involves a planning programme and idea phase, followed by a national zoning plan and consequence analysis. The planning programme will cover planning work, ways of participating and the need for analyses. The planning programme will be determined by the Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation. The programme will then form the basis of the proposed zoning plan and consequence analysis, before both programme and plan will be made available for public inspection.

Planning guidelines:
The government decided on its concept for the new complex on 25 June. A decision that will form the basis of work on the planning programme for the new complex. Guidelines:

• The complex will be planned with ambitious environmental targets and a high degree of energy-efficiency. It will be built on a par with best practice within eco-friendly construction (via planning).
• It will have a representative architectural quality that reflects its symbolic function. It will feature a high level of quality, permanence and sobriety.
• The Høyblokka and the open space on Akersgata will be retained. The aim will be to retain the integrated artworks in the Høyblokka. An extension or expansion of the Høyblokka is possible, along with a higher building behind it.