No to major reconstruction at Torvet

Of course, we will not spend money on a temporary reconstruction of Torvet during the Ski WC. Fortunately, Trondheim’s politicians seem to think the same.

Published:

7 May 2024 at 21:13
Updated:

7 May 2024 at 21:13

You are now reading an editorial. It expresses Adresseavisen’s opinion.

Many reacted sharply when the media in Trondheim mentioned Ski WC’s desire to rebuild Torvet before the championships in February/March next year. To make room for more audiences during free concerts and award ceremonies, they will remove permanent installations, trees and bicycle racks.

Such an extensive one rebuilding should be out of the question. A majority of the politicians in the chairmanship also clearly expressed this. The majority decided to take the plans into consideration, but the proposal from Roald Arentz (Red) to say no to a rebuild to the extent the organizers want, received six out of 15 votes.

More teal parties also believe that the Ski WC should submit a more modest application if they are to be accepted when the case is decided. The Labor Party thinks the same.

The case created a lengthy discussion in the chairmanship where a number of details were discussed. Which installations can be temporarily removed by turning them down? Which changes will require major intervention? How long will it take to rebuild and put everything back in place?

But the crux of the matter is simple. Two years ago, the heart of Trondheim received a long-awaited and expensive upgrade. The WC organizers have to deal with the square we have.

They shouldn’t plan based on what Torvet was like when the city hosted the World Ski Championships in 1997. Back then there was much better space on Torvet, and the requirements for security and security were different. Estimates at the time said that there were over 30,000 spectators at Torvet on certain evenings. But it’s almost 30 years ago.

There will never be room for 50,000 here

Much has changed since that time. Interest in cross-country skiing and jumping is probably less. Why then should the Ski WC spend around three million kroner on a rebuild which is also not climate-friendly?

We hope and think that Trondheim will have a nice folk festival during the WC next year and that there will be many audiences both in Granåsen and at Torvet. It should be possible without a major rebuilding of a square that works well.