Bonum opens in Drammen

Bonum opened the office before summer, but has been surveying the market for a long time. Now people are in place and projects are underway.

"Now Bonum is well underway and has carried out a thorough survey of both potential attractive plots, areas and the market in general. Bonum has also bought a couple of properties that are under development," says André Stabæk, property manager at Bonum's Drammen division, who is himself from Lier near Drammen.

At Thornegata 41 in Drammen they wish to build 6–8 townhouses, and at Nøstebakken in Lier 15 new flats are being planned.

Stabæk points out that it naturally takes some time to build close relationships and networks when establishing oneself in a new market, but he feels that local players have received them well.

"I am certain that Drammen is ready for more developers and also hope that buyers will appreciate more projects to choose from," he says.

"Bonum is known for projects with a focus on design. Is there demand for such projects in Drammen?"

"Many fine projects have come to Drammen in recent years, and even though I am biased as a local, it must be permissible to say that Drammen has been just as good at urban development as Oslo has been over the past 5–10 years. Having said that, Bonum naturally brings with it what they have learnt in Oslo and will offer exciting projects and unique flats in Drammen too. And yes, I expect that we will convert this into higher sales prices," emphasises Stabæk.

Local experience

Stig Bjørnø and Camilla B. Christensen, both from Drammen, are also employed in the newly opened division. Bjørnø has extensive experience in sales and marketing in the area. He has worked as a self-employed professional for many years and has a good network in Drammen. Christensen has a background as an interior architect and has worked on projects for the public and private sectors before starting at Bonum.

"The mix of expertise means Bonum is well equipped to find good projects and create good property projects. I feel confident that both Stig and Camilla will contribute to Bonum succeeding with its venture in Drammen," says Stabæk.