The Lalandia project has met with opposition.

The Land and Environment Court has revoked several of the municipality's detailed plans for the area.

Now it takes longer before the project can become a reality, but it has already meant a lot to Motala municipality.

Old industrial town

- We realized that we had a market share to sell to others, says the municipal director of Motala, Peter Ingesson.

The effect was that other companies also became interested in the municipality.

- "Oh, they see something here.

What is there in Motala to explore ”(they thought), says Peter Ingesson.

Motala is an old industrial city and some even call it the cradle of Swedish industry.

For many years, the municipality has suffered from the suites after closures.

TVs, speakers, refrigerators are just a few examples of what has been produced in the city on the shores of Lake Vättern.

So now a turnaround seems to be underway.

New infrastructure important

An important foundation has been the infrastructure.

In 2013, both the railway's double track and the newly built highway 50 with the bridge over Skepparpinan were opened.

Suddenly the distance from Motala to the rest of Östergötland did not feel as far.

Commuting both to and from the municipality became easier.

In addition to the Lalandia project, there are plans to rebuild the Gallerian in the middle of the city center.

A company from the west coast also wants to rebuild the old locomotive workshop.

The plans include an event hall, a restaurant, a hotel and housing in the building.

An ongoing discussion is also about a new sports and swimming hall and an indoor hall for bandy.