Glenn guides the Gothenburg of the future

- The dynamic environment here at Lindholmen began to be created around the year 2000, when Ericsson built its new office here. Around the same time, GTG started two learning centers, Celero (now Coor) expanded to Götaverksgatan in an old converted truck workshop and the Cooperative opened its first restaurant, Glenn recalls.

Norra Älvstranden AB (later Älvstranden Utveckling AB) and Lindholmen Science Park AB were formed in the same vein. Both companies saw the advantages of having a close collaboration. The main building at Lindholmspiren 5 was planned and completed in 2003. 

- I myself worked at Volvo at the time. As I originally come from New York, I applied to the most international place I could find in Gothenburg. 

Interest in Lindholmen increased

Glenn eventually came into contact with Volvo's visitor department, which among other things helped the City of Gothenburg to increase interest in Lindholmen.

- Given that I spoke English, I got in touch with the department for international visits. Volvo was involved in the operation of conference facilities at Lindholmen, because at the time they wanted to sell the area and reach stakeholders for the district's transformation, says Glenn.

Glenn thus spent a lot of time at Lindholmen and remembers that the model over central Gothenburg created interest right from the start.
- It was first in the Infocenter next to the Cooperative's lunchroom on Götaverksgatan, so that visitors would get stuck there and take an interest in the development, says Glenn. 

Interest in the area's development from the outside world turned out to be great, and in 2008 the model grew out of the premises on Götaverksgatan. The move went to Kanaltorget by the Gothenburg Opera House, a highly visible place, in order to attract even more members of the public to take an interest in urban planning. Glenn joined in and was now in charge of operations via Älvstranden Utveckling AB. The river room started to become well known - visits came from the business world, schools and tourists. 

Towards the end of 2017, the building permit at Kanaltorget expired and Älvrummet needed new premises. The move went across the water, again to Lindholmen. When the new Älvrummet opened in November 2017, the exhibition had gone digital. But the large model was of course included, as a sticking point and a concrete basis for discussion. It covers an area of ​​70 square meters and weighs 2.8 tons.

- The Älvrummet is a unique arena for sustainable urban development. We focus on a small part of Gothenburg, but it is the most dynamic part and we talk about good examples in the North and South Älvstranden. The model is 30 years old, but has grown with the city during these 30 years. The model makes it easy to understand. It is a starting point and an inspiration, says Glenn.

A new image of Gothenburg

Anyone is welcome to visit the Älvrummet. Glenn tells us that many people come to benchmark and see how we work in Gothenburg and not least at Lindholmen Science Park. 

- Among the typical visitors are schools, other Scandinavian municipalities, or companies located here in the area that want to use the Älvrummet as part of their visitor program. They come here and highlight to their visitors the dynamic area in which they find themselves.

The visitors' program is designed depending on origin, interests and other agendas.
- We talk about how the disused industrial areas have been transformed, and how we in Gothenburg work with energy, sustainability, densification and green areas. Most of the people who visit us are interested in urban development and traffic, says Glenn.

Many people have had questions about the West Swedish package over the years. Glenn believes that it is important that they can come to the Älvrummet and get answers to their questions.

- The Älvrummet is an important part of the democratic process, a forum where you can come and get correct information, which is not nuanced. As a visitor, I have the right to interpretation, here I get updated information. People can come here and ask questions and we tell you the facts. If we didn't exist, I think the politicians would be downplayed, says Glenn.

Eye opener for urban development

Over the years, Glenn has gained new colleagues in the Älvrummet. Here they offer lectures, events, guided tours and exhibitions. A new point in the existing program is the popular guided outdoor walks along Södra Älvstranden and Lindholmen, which can be booked via the website.

- We who work here think it is a huge honor to receive the trust of the city and visitors to be able to convey these messages about what we do in our city. When you welcome the city's own citizens, we make them a little more proud of their city. We are an eye-opener to what is happening around us. On our walks, we go around and show which companies have moved here and that so much has happened, so much dynamic that happens behind the walls. We hope to sow some seeds of inspiration.  

Nästgård's grand plans are also underway. It is the area outside Lindholmen Science Park's main building that will be expanded starting in 2026. The working name is Lindholmen Innovation Headquarters and will be filled with offices and meeting places directly adjacent to the new tram stop. It will be an important part of the future Lindholmen Innovation District.

- We continue to fill life between the buildings. What content should be here? If nothing were to happen here, no new ideas would come, he believes. 

Praised for his commitment

Glenn's interest and dedication is evident when he talks about everything he has experienced over the past 20 years. This passionate commitment is a big reason why he received the prestigious honorary award at Lindholmen Open Day 2023.

The motivation reads:
"Since the start of Lindholmen Science Park 20 years ago, Glenn has been around the ecosystem as one of the main ambassadors. With a sure hand, he has guided everyone: from the young to the elderly, CEOs, children's groups, state visits and foreign guests. His voice is powerful, his favorite words are dynamic and his stories are inspiring!”

The award came as a surprise to him.
- How can I express this without sounding silly? But I get a lot of praise for my work efforts. When I'm on stage, giving presentations and guiding – and I don't take it with a grain of salt in any way. But this was something else, it was praise over a longer period which means you finally get recognized for something you honestly believe in in your heart and soul. This is my life's task to be able to tell and make others enthusiastic and interested, not least young people, concludes Glenn.