Forenom will open a new Aparthotel in Malmö’s Western Harbour

In November 2019, Forenom will open a new Aparthotel in Malmö’s Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen) area. The hotel is being housed in Swedish shipbuilder Kockums’ former administration building, near the very heart of the city. 97 unique apartments of different sizes, with fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, will be available to both private and corporate guests.

Just like many other old industrial buildings in the Varvsstaden district, this building is of significant cultural and historical value. The process of converting an older building for a new purpose is no easy task, and many original features have to be retained.

Each room has its own character, with original features from their former roles. One example is the old boardroom, which is clad in wooden panelling typical of the 1920s. In another room, the safe from 1910 still stands.

“This type of conversion of an older, grandiose building is a philosophical as well as an economic decision,” says Annika Öman, Property Project Director at Forenom. “A conversion rather than a new build is definitely not something you choose to do because it’s cheaper, but possibly because you appreciate a challenge.”

The building’s original windows have been retained and restored. The interior doors have been salvaged from Varvsstaden. Industrial lamps and beautiful, old wired glass are given new life in the entrance. The original Kockums colour palette helps to retain the building’s character. Since each room has a different floor plan, the interiors had to be adapted accordingly.

“Each room is remodelled and furnished individually, providing a wonderful atmosphere! We’ll most likely get many regulars wanting to book ‘their’ room,” says Annika Öman. “Just measuring up 97 bespoke sets of curtains, with no two the same, was quite a feat.”

The long stay market is experiencing steady growth in Sweden. There is increasing demand from companies hiring consultants and guest workers and wanting accommodation for extended periods of time – often as long as a couple of months. An Aparthotel offers more space and greater flexibility than a conventional hotel. Cleaning, breakfast and laundry services are all offered on site, and it is easy for guests to choose the exact service level they require.

The shipyard, which Kockums acquired in 1870, was Malmö’s largest workplace for many years. Many Malmö residents have personal memories of the area, and there are strong local ties. Forenom is extremely pleased to be able to offer a new lease of life to an important part of Malmö’s cultural heritage.

 “Kockums was an important workplace in its day, and the first company in Skåne to recruit outside labour. Now we’re following in their footsteps with long-stay accommodation for people working somewhere other than their normal place of residence,” says Måns Friberg, Area Director Skåne at Forenom.

The administration building was built in 1912 and was designed by Malmö architect Axel Stenberg.

Forenom Aparthotel Malmö in brief

• Opens in Nov 2019 at Stora Varvsgatan 10, Malmö
• 97 aparthotel rooms, sizes range from 15 to 42 m2
• The property is located close to Malmö Central station, grocery shops and restaurants.

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Forenom in brief

• Nordic market leader in corporate housing in terms of net sales, currently operating in Sweden, Norway and Denmark and Finland with 25 local offices and over 500 employees
• Founded in Finland in 2000
• More than 7,000 apartments and rooms in all larger Scandinavian cities
• Over 1 million guest nights per year

What is Aparthotel?

A flexible way to book temporary accommodation for one night up to years. All apartments are fully furnished, Wi-Fi and final cleaning are included. Other services such as breakfast and daily cleaning can be ordered. The apartments have a kitchen, bathroom and access to a laundry room, just like at home.