Tough start for the sisyfos project

What has happened at Wenngarn the last ten years is so very strange and hard to understand. How could the society allow that such a historically important and beautiful place in such fantastic surroundings be left to its tragic fate? In the areas surrounding Sigtuna you could sense resignation and hopelessness toward the future of Wenngarn.

When I presented our vision we received a very positive response, but also some scepticism. The area had been for sale since 2007 and a series of proposals were presented only to be rejected.

To win over the doubters action was needed, not words. The idea for the Project Sisyfos emerged as a massive eight-month rescue project to regain faith in Wenngarn and to start afresh. Several years have passed, from a model community to a place for those who had no place in society.

I never expected the project to be easy but already by the first week the challenges started with personal threats, harassments and arson. I had understood that I would encounter resistance and suspicion when the acquisition of Wenngarn the 1st of October 2013 finally went through, but to this startling degree? However, the struggle had just begun. The many meetings with the previous owner, difficulties with contracts and permits and suspiciousness from other parties - in some sense the tough start became a challenge that caused the entire organization to close ranks and work as a team.

A condition to be able to create a new Wenngarn was that the area was given a zoning plan. Thanks to great support and encouragement from those responsible at Sigtuna County Council we handed in our zoning plan in record time that on top of that was so firmly grounded that everyone backed it and no objections were made.

The area surrounding the Hotel is built and renovated – housing for 150 residents. Hotel Anstalten, equipped with restaurant and conference building, is built in the old alcoholics asylum from 1916. In the 19th century stable there is now a food- and culturestable.

Norrbacken is rebuilt into student housing. The gymnasium from 1930 is transformed into a recreational centre for the youth. In the old barn from 1939, later concrete factory, there is now a 4 000 square metre large company and sports centre.

Sweden’s first baroque garden has been renovated and become a beautiful vegetable garden with, among other edibles, hops and raspberry. The castle terrace has been renovated and is now beautiful picnic areas with room for live music. The conservatory – a perfect place for gardening. Allébyn is expanded with another 40 houses and becomes a small community with 300 residents. The pavilion is a beautiful Italian-inspired building with several apartments and a stunning view – all renovated into 13 apartments.