Wednesday on the 19th of February 2025 Östersunds kommun organized a workshop together with Rädda Barnen, Hej Främling and Östersundshem. We invited citizens of Torvalla to an evening where we discussed how to make Torvalla even better.
Politicians, public servants, local organizations and profiles started the evening by sharing a meal from the local Ethiopian restaurant. Then Alissar from Rädda Barnen presented the citizen survey that was made during 2024, local politician Effie Kourlos (C) shortly presented the purpose of Utvecklingsplan Torvalla and the projects that’s been done in Torvalla so far. During the workshop we discussed different themes and questions such as leisure and outdoor environments, services and communications, safety and meeting places, being young in Torvall and Östersundshem had their own table regarding ideas to develop the mall. We gathered many good and important ideas and opinions from citizens that is needed to make Torvalla a better place to live.
We finished the evening by going around the different groups to recap what had been discussed. Participants were also able to ask questions to Rosi Hoffer (S) local politician, Per Lundgren (C) chair of culture and leisure board, and Liselotte Halvarsson development strategist at Östersunds kommun.
What is good about Torvalla?
In Torvalla many people appreciate Coop and its generous opening hours, and the reopening of the health center is also well received. The close distance to services, healthcare and work is something people in Torvalla value. Not having to go to central Östersund to run errands and instead being able to stay within Torvalla is a big plus. Other services that are very popular and used, especially by children, is the library.
Socially, the strong sense of community in Torvalla contributes to the area feeling safe – everyone knows everyone. Many people in Torvalla spend time together in the area's appreciated nature, children can play together in the playground and use the new activity area. This contributes to the sense of community that many expressed and is good for Torvalla. These areas are especially popular during the summer. One of the most appreciated activities is the Night Football organized by Cosmos on Saturday evenings. The presence of Hej Främling is also something that is good and appreciated.
What could make Torvalla better?
Suggestions for developing Torvalla were many and varied. The main themes discussed participants in the workshop emphasized the need for more commercial services, retail stores, and more public services. A better variety of grocery stores was desired, such as an ICA. There were also requests for a second-hand store and clothing shops in the mall. With the reopening of the health centre, there is a need for a pharmacy. This would make it even easier for residents of Torvalla to stay in the area for errands. A café like Tingshuset in central Östersund and more restaurants are also wanted. A larger gym is also missing in Torvalla, such as STC.
There is a desire for a service office where people can print documents and get help with other administrative matters. Banking services and ATMs where you can withdraw cash are also missing in the area.
In Torvalla, the lighting on walking and cycling paths needs improvement in several places. Traffic safety, especially at bus stops, needs to be improved and pedestrian crossings are missing in some places. There is also a wish to improve Torvalla center with flowers and benches to make it more pleasant. Many would like the return of spaces to hold meetings in, have parties in and celebrations of holidays. This was something that both Rikshem and Östersundshem previously supported, but it has disappeared. There is also a desire for opportunities for dancing and group fitness classes. Activities specifically for girls and women are wanted, for example, from Hej Främling.
Children and young people expressed that the police presence can sometimes create an uneasy feeling. There are also some challenges for children and young people in school. Student health services is something that can be worked on more. For example, children and young people expressed a desire for increased awareness of neurodevelopmental disorders (NPF) and rules about confidentiality. The need for greater influence and involvement in decisions affecting the students themselves was also brought up. In addition to student health services, there is a wish for increased adult presence in the schools or on the football field to create safe places. Better and more frequent communications within Torvalla would make activities easier to attend. A better variety of activities, such as cross-country skiing and a girls' club was also requested. Youth centres should offer more activities, and creating more summer jobs for young people would increase employment and provide important work experience.