Conflict over a new police station in Eskilstuna - millions are required
The property owner CapMan accuses the Police Authority of breach of contract and threatens with a claim for damages of over SEK 724 million.
Quick Look
The conflict over the planned police station in Eskilstuna escalates since the property owner CapMan accuses the Police Authority of breach of contract and demands over SEK 724 million in damages after the costs have dragged on.
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Why It Matters
The plans for a new police station in Eskilstuna have been paused due to runaway costs that have gone from SEK 1.2 billion to over SEK 1.7 billion.
Last spring, SVT was able to reveal that the planned start of construction for the new police station in Eskilstuna had once again been delayed. Construction was supposed to start in early April 2026, but plans were put on hold after a cost dispute between the Police Authority and property owner CapMan.
The police estimated that the project cost had risen from SEK 1.2 billion to over SEK 1.7 billion. The authority stated that it could not accept that level and wanted to keep the cost close to SEK 1.2 billion. If the parties did not agree, the police opened the door for the project to be cancelled.
- The police cannot withdraw completely because we have a lease, said Per TĂ€ngerstad, project manager at the property owner CapMan.
Threatens with claims for damages
Now SVT can tell you that the conflict has escalated. In a letter sent in July, the property owner, through his representative, accuses the Police Authority of breach of contract.
The property owner states that they will demand approximately SEK 724 million from the Police Authority in damages if the authority does not change its actions and fulfill the agreement.
The property owner's legal representative writes that 139.3 million kroner of the amount applies to accrued project costs. The remaining SEK 585 million is stated to be an estimated financial loss if the project is cancelled.
According to the agent, both the property and the detailed plan are already adapted for a police station.
The police: Have not committed a breach of contract
The police authority disputes in a response letter sent in August that it has committed a breach of contract or is liable for damages.
The authority is adamant that it cannot take responsibility for costs over SEK 1.2 billion. In its response letter, the authority writes that the project must therefore either be changed so that it fits within the cost framework, or terminated through a written agreement with the property owner.
- The parties do not agree, says Christer Sjöqvist, police superintendent and representative for police operations in the construction project's steering group.
The latest plan was to move in in the summer of 2029. Now it is once again unclear when - or if - Eskilstuna will get a new police station.
Open Questions
- Will the parties reach a settlement?
- Will the project be canceled completely?
