Reader’s letter This is a debate entry, written by an external contributor. The post expresses the writer’s views.
The outcome has received strong support through input from the city’s residents and various associations. Bryggetorgets Venner has therefore worked further with the content of the elements that were presented and can now present a compiled outline for the quarter.
Location of the road
Regarding the road through/past the quarter, we presented two solutions: In alternative A (the Citizens’ Initiative), the road is kept as it is today. In alternative B (Fossibilities study), the road is laid diagonally from the Thor Dahl building and today’s traffic light in Museums gate to Brødrene Berggren. The road diagonally will presumably be a continuation of the standard that applies at the connection points, i.e. 40 km/h. Although this standard is cheap to build, it will be more expensive than upgrading the current route. In the long run and with a car-free wharf, we believe that most people in the city would still like this solution. Areas available for recreation, meeting places, relevant buildings and activities will be approximately the same for both options.
Investments
Many of us believe that the municipality should start by ensuring the clean-up and demolition of the buildings in the quarter. In the longer term, when there are political decisions for the development of the quarter, it will be the municipality’s task to enter into lease agreements with the users of the plots. Costs for building and operating the various enterprises must be covered by the respective drivers. In the case of Sandefjord Maritime Centre, it may make sense to establish a foundation with public and private participation.
Land use
Ivar Riis’ sketch applies to alternative B. We believe that the starting point for the development of the quarter is to emphasize the sea and a maritime environment in line with the city’s history as a maritime city. Therefore, we envisage an extended pier promenade that runs from Pier 4 to Pier 11. Outside it, and with protrusions from the promenade, a new guest pier with modern facilities will be built. This must be planned by the harbor master. The innovation will reinforce the city’s status as a summer city. But not only that, also boaters, tourists, people from the ferries and the city’s own population will thrive in this atmosphere. We imagine that concerts at Bryggetorget can be experienced from the boat.
One point that has been at the fore in the debate is to take more account of the wishes and needs of younger people. We have taken the consequences of that. Our proposal is a Street Food hall, shown on the right in the sketch. Street Food offers varied and exciting food for a reasonable price, adapted also to young people’s wallets. On the left in the sketch, we envision two or three new restaurants. Why not create something that can challenge the pier in Tønsberg? There are restaurants with year-round operation in a row.
Sandefjord Maritime Center can be seen in the middle of the sketch with a proposed building mass of approx. 1,000 m2. Here, modern digital tools and solutions should be used in the communication so that younger and future generations can also experience the city’s proud maritime history. However, the centre’s design and scope must be seen in the context of the location of the road. Otherwise, refer to our article about the Maritime Center in Sandefjords Blad 12.12.23.
Behind the Maritime Centre, not visible in the sketch, we propose a row of student dormitories over parking spaces in harmony with the buildings in Thaulows gate. We have registered that the topic of students and young people has recently been addressed through several posts in Sandefjords Blad. Business leaders and politicians, including Morten Fon and Bjørn Ole Gleditsch, want to attract younger people to the city. We remind you that a good housing offer with student dormitories in a community means a lot to those who are considering choosing a place of study.
Bryggetorget
In the center of the quarter, surrounded by the Maritime Centre, the wharf promenade and the eateries, is Bryggetorget, which will become the district’s new meeting place. Here, well-being and an atmosphere of community will be created. Musicians, artists and local associations and others are welcome. Perhaps a “speakers corner” and market trade in the seasons is something to think about.
The way forward
Should a working group be set up for the development of the quarter consisting of both public and private players? The purpose must be to propose concrete, realistic solutions. Keywords such as commitment, foresight and creative thinking must be at the fore. Think Sandefjord, as it appears in the new Sandefjord pattern, cozy and attractive!
