Nearing the transformation from telephone exchange to housing in Ullernåsen

The project is intended to deliver around 20 new flats over 2,756 square metres. The planning case has now been sent to the Agency for Planning and Building Services for preparation ahead of political consideration.

Estate has previously written about Bonum's plans to develop the former telephone exchange at Silurveien 45, which is located approximately 300 metres from Radiumhospitalet. They intend to transform it into housing in addition to an extension with two to three storeys, according to a press release.

Bonum, together with partner organisations, purchased this property from Telenor Real Estate in 2020.

Before the case is submitted and considered at the city hall, PBE will make its final assessments, and project manager Bjørn Wikan at Bonum is relatively satisfied with the progress.

Demanding process

– As a result of the input from the public consultation, we have made further adjustments and are now preserving the existing building structure in its entirety. The project has been reworked and largely adapted to the guidelines from PBE. The dialogue has been constructive, but the process so far has at times been somewhat demanding, with long waiting times for the start-up meeting and a total of four case officers over 2.5 years. Reuse of existing buildings is not necessarily straightforward for either us or the planning authorities, but our architects at Rebuilding have specialist expertise in this, he says.
The project is located right by Ullernåsen Metro station. Last year, Rebuilding architects redesigned the project and, amongst other things, cut two storeys.

Bonum's managing director, Anders Bakken Eriksen, is also satisfied.

– We have great faith in the project and believe it will make a good contribution to the market with new and sustainably developed housing. Transformation projects like this are necessary to create good and varied residential environments whilst also fulfilling our responsibility to reduce the impact the property sector has on the environment. It is said that 80 per cent of future buildings have already been built, and in the telephone exchange we are securing preservation combined with exciting solutions, he points out.

The planning case also shows that the project will include internal ceiling heights of up to 3.4 metres, large communal areas and a bicycle workshop.

– Transformation of the existing building results in some dark areas that we cannot use for housing in any case, which has given us scope to focus on social sustainability and qualities we believe will be attractive to future residents, says Wikan.

Bonum anticipates that a planning decision can be expected around the turn of the year and envisages a sales launch in 2024.