Notice of the Start of Planning Work in Nybyen

Notice is hereby given of the commencement of work on a detailed plan and a public hearing on the planning program for the former student housing in Nybyen (D66), in accordance with Section 50 of the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act.

Pursuant to Section 50 of the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act, notice is hereby given of the commencement of work on the sub-plan and the public consultation on the proposed planning program for the Sub-plan for former student housing in Nybyen D66.

The planning work is being carried out by LPO Arkitekter AS on behalf of the Norwegian Arctic Student Union.

Background for the planning work

The Government, through the Ministry of Education and Research, and the Student Union, as the owner of the former student housing—barracks 3, 4, 9, 11, and 13 in Nybyen—wish to clarify through a planning process whether the barracks can be renovated.

The planning program is hereby submitted for consultation and public review.

Contents of the planning program

The planning program describes the purpose of the planning work, the studies to be conducted, and the planning process, including deadlines and public participation.

Planning area and boundaries

The planning area is shown with a dotted line on the attached map and covers approximately 211.5 decares.

The delineation of the planning area is based on the consensus reached at the kick-off meeting that the planning work shall cover the entire Nybyen area.

The planning boundary follows the property lines along Roads 100 and 106, as well as the Longyearelva river to the west. To the south and east, the planning boundary has been extended far enough to include the current snowmobile parking area and the power line on the hillside leading up to Gruvefjellet.

Comments should be sent to:

Written comments on the proposed planning work and suggestions for the planning program should be sent to LPO Architects – nord@lpo.no.

Deadline and further processing

The deadline for comments and input regarding the planning work and planning program is May 20, 2026.

Please note that submitted comments and input regarding the planning work will not be answered directly. All input will be reviewed and forwarded to the Longyearbyen Local Council.