From harbour city to a coastal city : an in-depth study of how Trelleborg’s municipality motivates an urban success through the project Kuststad 2025

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate why and how the large-scale urban development project Kuststad 2025 is argued for by Trelleborg’s municipality in the urban parts Trelleborg – produced and processed by the municipality itself. Building on what has been done within the field and the theoretical basis of how policies are constituted, mobilised and related, this study also aimed to show which interests Kuststad 2025 serves, and for whom the project may be beneficial or disadvantageous. The study utilised a qualitative approach by conducting a content analysis of existing material concerning the project and one interview with an employee of the municipality involved with the project. The findings showed that the municipality argues for the project’s implementation and constitution by insisting that there exist several economic opportunities to capitalise by redeveloping central parts of Trelleborg into attractive areas with the availability of infrastructure and communications. Furthermore, the findings also showed that there exists disagreements in conjunction with how the project should be constituted, implemented and the possible outcomes of the project’s establishment. Further research suggests that the matter could be further investigated when the project is approaching its construction phase.